Barcelona could hand Joao Cancelo a second Copa del Rey debut this week, after his second loan move to the club was confirmed on Tuesday. The Portuguese defender was brought in to provide additional cover at the back after Andreas Christensen was dropped four months ago.
Cancelo had initially agreed with Inter, after deciding he was willing to leave Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. After getting wind of Barcelona’s interest,
“I was surprised. The manager of Al-Hilal told me one thing and another. I can play here forever. When Deco called me, I told my girlfriend that I will wait until I sign,” he told MD after his presentation.
“I spoke to Al-Hilal. They told me that I might leave. There are clubs interested, but Deco called me and I told them that I would wait for Barca, which was my first priority.”
Can Cancelo sign permanently for Barcelona?
Cancelo has signed a deal until the end of the season, but having admitted he would have liked to stay at the club after his final loan spell, he was asked if he could make a permanent move in the summer.
“It’s hard to say because I have a contract with Al-Hilal. I want to have fun, do well, and help the team improve if possible. I wasn’t lucky enough to win titles when I was here, and I want to win.”
‘The team is stronger than when I arrived at the end’ – Cancelo
Coming into Xavi Hernandez’s final year at the club, Cancelo and Flick were the ships of the night, with the German stepping in as Cancelo left. His opinion was that the team has improved in the 18 months since.
“I have spoken to him. This is a very talented team. Some boys have grown into men. They have improved a lot. I came to help this team and, if possible, win titles. Barca is a winning team. This club lives for titles. I was unlucky, but the boys have grown a lot. Now they are better and the squad is stronger than when I was here.”
Cancelo answers critics with defensive ability
Previously, Cancelo was primarily used on the right side of Barcelona’s defence, before spending more time at left back. He said he will be competing with Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin and Jules Kounde for a place in the starting line-up.
“I have spoken with the manager. I am available in any position. I will do my best. I feel comfortable as a player who plays on the right and left back.”
There was doubt that Cancelo was Hansi Flick’s decision to bring in during the transfer window, as he initially announced that he wanted a defender. Cancelo was asked about doubts about his defensive skills, as he struggled in his first season.
🚨 OFFICIAL: João Cancelo is registered! ✅ pic.twitter.com/tfVaTOFtGA
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 15, 2026
“I only spoke to the manager today. What I like is the way the team is playing. An attacking team, playing football. I am an attacking player, and this suits me well. The boys are doing very well, they are playing good football.”
“I’m always trying to improve my defense. Criticism is part of football. I accept it to become a better player. I’m here to improve and my team to help me, as I came to help them.”
Cancelo is in Barcelona’s squad for the Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Racing Santander on Thursday night. With a packed fixture list, Flick will no doubt be grateful for the extra substitute option, but Cancelo will have to be up to speed, having not played for Al-Hilal since September.
