Cancelo returns to Barcelona on free transfer, signs until 2029 | OneFootball

João Cancelo has rejoined Barcelona on a contract to 2029 after leaving Al Hilal, a move prioritised by Deco and Hansi Flick. The club said in a statement that the Portugal international arrives as a free agent.

Barça pay no transfer fee, with earlier talk of 10 to 15 million fading as the player pushed to resolve his exit. His determination, and personal concessions to secure a release, proved decisive.

He arrived on Monday expressing his happiness at completing the return, having waited for a deal he had expected to be simpler. The process dragged longer than he anticipated.

He trained apart for a week and acknowledged the difficulty of being without matches. He also made clear to Deco that he would either join Barcelona or spend the year not playing while still drawing his salary.

Flick and Deco view him as an experienced full-back who adds attacking thrust and positional flexibility. He has already shown he suits Barça’s game and can operate on either flank, and now must top up his fitness after recent individual work.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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