Joao Cancelo returns to Barcelona, makes first statement after Al Hilal’s departure

Barcelona are making their final acquisitions to prepare for the 2026–27 season. Joao Cancelo has landed in Spain, and upon his arrival, he shared his true feelings about his return to the club.

With Rodri’s signing, Barcelona’s starting lineup is set to undergo significant tactical adjustments. Joao Cancelo can operate on both flanks, providing Hansi Flick with elite versatility on either side of the defense.

Cancelo requested that Al Hilal terminate his contract early, paving the way for his return to Barcelona. The Portuguese defender was determined to rejoin the Spanish side and expressed his delight about embarking on his second stint with the Blaugrana.

“We have a top team this season! I am finally where I wanted to be,” Cancelo said at his arrival to Barcelona. “I spent already one week training hard to be ready for Barca.”

Barcelona still await a striker

While the additions of Rodri, Joao Cancelo, Karim Adeyemi, and Anthony Gordon significantly bolster the squad, Barcelona currently lack a recognized natural central striker for the upcoming campaign.

Julian Alvarez remains the primary target, but Atletico Madrid are reluctant to entertain offers. Sporting CP’s Luis Suarez remains another candidate, though his release clause presents a major hurdle as options narrow.

Following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona continue to seek a suitable replacement. Hansi Flick could deploy Anthony Gordon down the middle, though the Englishman’s best performances have consistently come from the left wing.

As of today, the club are set to kick off their LaLiga campaign without a natural number nine. However, the front office are working endlessly to secure a center-forward and prevent Hansi Flick from needing to experiment with makeshift options.