'Barca or nothing': Joao Cancelo completes emotional Barcelona return

The 32-year-old landed in Catalonia on Monday ahead of finalising his return to the club, having reached an agreement to terminate his Al-Hilal contract by mutual consent. Barcelona have been pursuing the defender for some time and after weeks of negotiations a deal has now been reached that will see him return on a free transfer.

Cancelo's arrival marks his third spell with Barcelona but his first as a permanent player. He previously spent the 2023-24 season at the club on loan from Manchester City before returning for another loan spell from Al-Hilal last January, playing under Hansi Flick.

His desire to return was evident from the outset, with Cancelo admitting that he had been willing to spend the entire 2026-27 campaign on the sidelines if Al-Hilal refused to release him.

"I'm very happy, I'm very happy to be here, I'm where I want to be," Cancelo told reporters after landing.

The full-back revealed that he had trained separately for a week as he pushed for his departure from the Saudi club, while making his position clear to Barcelona sporting director Deco.

"I told Deco that either I came here or I would spend a year there without playing while collecting my salary," he said.

The Portuguese subsequently accepted a reduction in his salary to complete the move.

"I've given up part of my salary, but it was to sign for Barca, or nothing," he added.