Joao Cancelo joins Barcelona on three-year deal after leaving Al-Hilal

Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo has rejoined Barcelona on a permanent deal after his contract with Al-Hilal was mutually terminated.

Cancelo left Manchester City to join the Saudi Pro League side on a three-year deal in 2024, but he ended last season on loan with Barca, helping them secure the La Liga title.

After agreeing his departure from Al-Hilal, the 32-year-old became a free agent this summer, and he has now returned to the Camp Nou on a three-year contract.

"It's my dream," said Cancelo. "I'm where I want to be, and I am very happy. I like the club, I identify with it. I feel loved here, and I promise to give everything for this club."

Cancelo first moved to Spain in 2014 when he joined Valencia from Benfica, initially on loan.

He later spent 2017-18 on loan with Inter Milan before making permanent moves to Juventus (2018) and Manchester City (2019), and he ended the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Cancelo then joined Barca on a season-long loan from City for 2023-24, so this is his third stint with the Spanish giants but his first on a permanent deal.

Barca also completed the signing of Cancelo's former team-mate Rodri this week after agreeing to pay City about £65m for the Spain midfielder.

Hansi Flick's squad has also been boosted by the arrival of wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi this summer, although forward Ferran Torres has left for Paris St-Germain and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski joined MLS side Chicago Fire.