A Phone Ring Delays Cancelo's Barcelona Comeback
9 January 2026
Background
A Spanish newspaper has revealed fresh details about the loan move of João Cancelo from Al Hilal to Barcelona on a temporary spell.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Cancelo was due to undergo a medical examination today, but the Portuguese player is currently in Lisbon waiting for a phone call to travel to Barcelona, and the check-up could be postponed to Saturday.
Barça officials are reportedly hesitating to seal the deal in order not to disrupt their Super Cup preparations, with all signs pointing to the transfer not being completed before Sunday's final against Real Madrid.
What’s Next
The two clubs have reportedly agreed on all terms and financial details, as well as an agreement with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, but Barcelona and Al Hilal are finalizing document exchanges.
Cancelo previously spent a loan spell at Barcelona from Manchester City in the 2023-24 season.
The report added that Barça has not fixed a presentation date yet given the team and officials are in Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup final against Real Madrid.
The two clubs will return from Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The final will be played on Sunday and will be broadcast on the Eight app, the exclusive broadcaster of the Roshn Saudi League.
Barcelona and Al Hilal are reportedly aligning on the remaining paperwork, with talks ongoing as Zap of details continues to fill the gaps.
Punchline time: If transfers were a ringtone, this saga would be on repeat—"ring, ring, Barca calling." Another one: Barca’s transfer plan is so patient, even the Super Cup is filing for a postponement warranty.
