ไทย
English
中國人
Following a summer-long standoff between Al Hilal and Barcelona, João Cancelo has confirmed he is back "where he wants to be" with the reigning Spanish champions after agreeing to sacrifice part of his wages.
Ferran Torres's recent departure to Paris Saint-Germain and Rodri's impending arrival have cast a shadow over one of Barcelona's most important summer transfer moves: securing Cancelo. The fullback, who shone on loan at the Camp Nou last season, was always a key component of Hansi Flick's plans for 2026–27, but negotiations with Al Hilal dragged on without a clear resolution.
Cancelo was compelled to return to the Saudi Pro League club amid the deadlocked talks, but he has now returned to Catalonia and told reporters upon his arrival that he made a significant personal sacrifice just to pull on the Blaugrana jersey once more.
"I'm very happy. I'm very pleased to be here. I'm where I want to be," Cancelo said. "I trained on my own for a week. I told Deco that either I came here or I'd spend a year there without playing, still collecting my salary. I gave up part of my wages, but it was either sign for Barça or nothing."
"It's a very special club. I'm here to contribute and I hope to win many trophies. We're putting together a great team."
ESPN reports that Cancelo has terminated his deal with Al Hilal and is set to join Barcelona as a free agent. This will mark his third chapter with the Catalans, following two previous loan stints in 2023–24 and 2025–26.
Why Signing Cancelo Was Vital for Barcelona
Barcelona may have more pressing matters to address before the summer transfer window shuts, such as landing a striker and potentially bolstering their center-back options, but securing Cancelo represents a major victory for the defending Spanish champions.
The Portugal international was an unexpected addition last winter, brought in on loan to help Flick shore up an injury-ravaged and struggling backline. What began as a depth option quickly evolved into a starting role, with Cancelo pushing Alejandro Balde and occasionally Jules Koundé to the bench even when both were fully fit.
Cancelo wrapped up the season with 23 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists along the way. The 32-year-old was a reliable presence defensively, more than capable of stepping up in both La Liga and the Champions League despite his age.
He demonstrated greater defensive solidity than Balde and injected much-needed experience into a relatively young backline following the departure of Iñigo Martínez. Now, in the aftermath of Ronald Araújo's move to Liverpool, Cancelo's composure and leadership are priceless assets for Flick's aggressively high defensive line, where his backline is perpetually one mistake away from being exposed on the counter.
What Cancelo's Return Means for Balde
Speculation before the summer window opened suggested that Balde could be heading for the exit door. The left back struggled with both fitness and form throughout 2025–26, failing to make a meaningful impact in the attacking third.
Some of Balde's dip in form was attributable to Raphinha's injury absences; the Spaniard never appeared entirely comfortable combining with makeshift left wingers Fermín López or Marcus Rashford in the Brazilian's absence. Balde managed just three goal contributions across 42 appearances last season, a stark drop from the nine he recorded in 2024–25.
The transfer speculation surrounding Balde has since quieted, with the player contracted to Barcelona until June 2028. The 22-year-old's place in Flick's squad looks secure, but his position in the starting eleven certainly is not.
Balde will once again find himself competing with Cancelo for playing time, and if last season is anything to go by, he faces a tough road ahead. The fullback must work to rebuild Flick's confidence in him, and even that may not be sufficient to dislodge Cancelo, who was an unsung hero in Barcelona's La Liga title defence.