João Cancelo and the rare prospect of a third Barcelona spell | OneFootball

João Cancelo is pushing for another return to Barcelona, with a move edging closer and one that would break new ground at the club.

Mundo Deportivo reports that a fresh deal would mark his third Barcelona stint, after he returned to training with Al-Hilal this summer. Barcelona have historically welcomed players back only for a second spell. Elsewhere, three stints are uncommon but not unheard of, seen with Carlos Tévez at Boca Juniors, Adriano Leite at Flamengo and Nuri Şahin at Borussia Dortmund.

The Portugal full-back first arrived on loan from Manchester City in September 2023 after his relationship with Pep Guardiola had soured, joining Xavi Hernandez’s side to play at right-back. Across 2023-24 he featured in 42 matches, 32 in La Liga and 10 in the Champions League. He scored four and provided five assists, operating on either flank.

In August 2024 he left Manchester City for Al-Hilal in a 25 million euro move. Barcelona were in no position to extend his stay. The 2025-26 winter window brought another loan, this time under Flick, and he was unveiled in January 2026 until season’s end.

He then made 23 appearances, 16 in La Liga, four in the Champions League and three in the Copa del Rey. He delivered two goals and three assists in La Liga, plus one assist in the Copa. Now 32, he wants a permanent return, most likely his first as a player fully owned by the club.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”