Portuguese right-back has joined the Catalans on a loan deal from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal
Barcelona have confirmed that Joao Cancelo has joined the club from Al-Hilal on a loan deal until the end of the season. The Portuguese right-back will wear the No 2 shirt.
But what will Cancelo bring to Barcelona?
At 31, Cancelo has a wealth of experience at the top level, having played at Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and also Barcelona in the 2023-24 season when he made 42 appearances, producing four goals and five assists.
His arrival means he will become Hansi Flick’s primary option on the right wing, with Jules Kounde switching to centre-back where Barcelona are currently need of more options.
Andreas Christensen is out for months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Ronald Araujo returned to the squad just in time to take the armband and lift the Spanish Super Cup, but he still needs some time to get up to speed after taking some time off for his mental health. Eric Garcia has regularly been tasked with doing a job in midfield. All of which means that Flick often has to rely on Pau Cubarsi and converted left-back Gerard Martin at the centre of defence.
Flick has consistently defended the defensive aspect of Barcelona’s game when critics have highlighted weaknesses, but even he knew internally that it needed a boost, as he openly confirmed two weeks ago when it became apparent that a deal for Cancelo would be struck.
“When you look at our back line, with centre-backs and full-backs, we need another player,” Flick said. The caveat was that it had to “make sense”.
Cancelo’s signing does. He is joining on loan, which means that he fits into Barcelona’s tight budget. He has experience, and he knows the club, which will be crucial to hitting the ground winning. And more importantly, he can allow Jules Kounde to play at centre-back if Flick wants it. The Frenchman has previously said he feels more comfortable in the centre, even if he can play at right-back really well. Cancelo has the ability to play at either flank, which means he could also slot in on the left should Alejandro Balde need a rest.
