Joao Cancelo passes medical ahead of Barcelona loan move

Joao Cancelo has passed his medical at Barcelona ahead of completing a short-term loan move from Al Hilal for the remainder of the season.

The Portugal international is set to be formally presented on Tuesday, sealing a return to a club he represented during the 2023–24 campaign.

Cancelo arrives as an experienced reinforcement for Hansi Flick at a time when Barcelona are navigating injuries and squad limitations.

The 31-year-old spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, making 42 appearances in all competitions.

During that spell, he contributed four goals and five assists and was a regular option across both full-back positions.

Barcelona opted not to retain him permanently that summer, citing financial constraints and longer-term squad planning.

Cancelo subsequently joined Al Hilal in August 2024 in a deal worth around €25 million, ending a five-year spell at Manchester City.

His time in Saudi Arabia has been brief and limited, with just two league appearances this season.

Barcelona have now moved quickly to bring him back to Europe on loan in the winter transfer window as they look to maintain momentum across domestic and cup competitions.

The move has been made possible through La Liga’s long-term injury exception within the league’s salary limit regulations.

Centre-back Andreas Christensen is expected to be sidelined for around four months after sustaining a partial anterior cruciate ligament injury in December.

Under league rules, Barcelona are permitted to use up to 80 per cent of the injured player’s salary space to register a replacement.

The club were required to notify La Liga within 25 days of the injury, a deadline they met to facilitate Cancelo’s registration.

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While Cancelo is not a natural centre-back, his versatility provides Flick with valuable cover across the defensive line.

He is capable of operating at right-back or left-back, offering rotation options in a congested fixture schedule.

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga and lifted the Supercopa de Espana on Sunday with victory over Real Madrid.

He brings experience at elite European level, having won three Premier League titles with Manchester City.

Cancelo will now look to re-establish himself quickly and contribute in multiple competitions.

Barcelona face Racing de Santander in the Copa del Rey before returning to league action against Real Sociedad.

With silverware already secured this season, the club hope Cancelo’s arrival can help sustain their push on all fronts.