Fabrizio Romano Confirms ‘Here We Go’ for Six-Month Deal Until June 2026.

João Cancelo to Barcelona, Done Deal.

In a dramatic January twist, João Cancelo is heading back to FC Barcelona after the club sealed a loan deal with Al Hilal on January 5, 2026.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano gave the move his famous “Here We Go” stamp, confirming an agreement for a straight loan until the end of the season. Barcelona will cover a €4 million loan fee to the Saudi Pro League side, along with a portion of the 31-year-old’s wages.

Cancelo, who spent a successful 2023-24 campaign on loan at Barça from Manchester City (42 appearances, 4 goals, 5 assists), made it clear his priority was a Camp Nou return. This proved decisive, as Inter Milan had a verbal agreement in place with Al Hilal – potentially involving a player exchange – but the Portuguese international held out for the Blaugrana.

The versatile defender fell out of favour at Al Hilal under manager Simone Inzaghi and was set to be excluded from their foreign player quota for the second half of the season.

For Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, Cancelo’s arrival provides much-needed depth and flexibility at full-back. He can operate on either side and could allow Jules Koundé to shift centrally if required, addressing defensive concerns amid injuries.

This move utilises salary cap relief from Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury and represents a low-risk boost for Barça’s title defence and Champions League ambitions.

Official announcement expected soon, with Cancelo eager to reunite with former teammates and contribute immediately.