Cancelo completes medical ahead of Barca return

Barcelona have confirmed that Joao Cancelo’s loan from Al-Hilal has edged closer after he completed his medical on Monday.

Sporting director Deco had announced last week that the Blaugrana were close to “finalising” the right-back’s return to Camp Nou.

Cancelo has reportedly fallen out with Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi, leading him to search for a move away from the Saudi Pro League.

And he is now set to pen another contract with the Spanish champions, having previously joined Barcelona on loan in the 2023-24 season from Manchester City.

João Cancelo is already in Barcelona and has successfully completed his medical tests. This Tuesday, the official signing

The details: https://t.co/GNTGuFM6id pic.twitter.com/IXfs7JkabR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 12, 2026

“The Portuguese full back, still an Al Hilal Saudi FC player, passed the relevant medical and physical tests at Barcelona Hospital with the signing to make him a Blaugrana to come on Tuesday,” Barcelona said in a statement.

At Barcelona, Cancelo led the defenders in chances created (35), crosses (82) and shots (32) in 2023-24, but the Catalan club initially chose not to bring him back to Camp Nou for a second season.