La Liga transfer news: Cancelo moves to Barcelona on loan until the end of the season

Joao Cancelo completed his return to Barcelona on Tuesday after being loaned to Saudi Arabia’s Spanish champions Al Hilal until the end of the season.

The Portuguese previously played for the Catalans and made 32 LaLiga appearances. He also won three Premier League titles with Manchester City before joining Barcelona.

«FC Barcelona and Al-Hilal Saudi FC have reached an agreement on the loan of the Portuguese full-back until the end of the season. He will wear the number two shirt,» Barcelona said in a statement.

Cancelo, who joined Al Hilal in 2024, was part of the Portugal squad that won the Nations League in 2018/2019, scoring two goals and setting up a further two goals in Portugal’s successful campaign.

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, four points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. The side also secured the Supercopa de España title last week by beating Madrid 3-2 in the final, leading to the departure of Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso.

Published on January 13, 2026