Barça in January: Cancelo on the Radar as European Return Rumors Swirl
31 December 2025
A Spanish press report on Wednesday indicated there is contact between Barcelona and the Portuguese left back Joao Cancelo of Al Hilal, aiming for a January move.
Reports had already indicated Cancelo's desire to leave the Saudi Pro League and to return to Europe, even though his contract runs until the end of next season.
According to Catalan daily Sport, Barcelona has reached out to Cancelo to explore the possibility of signing him in January.
However, the paper noted that Barcelona would face fierce competition for the Portuguese back, especially from his former clubs Inter Milan and Juventus.
Cancelo, 31, previously hinted that he would like to one day return to Benfica, but the Portuguese club has not moved on a deal yet.
Cancelo previously played for Barcelona for one season on loan from Manchester City.
Punchline 1: If Barca land Cancelo, their defense might finally stop letting the ball jog past them.
Punchline 2: January transfer season proves that even football gossip travels faster than a speeding meme.
