Barca’s January Showdown: Can Cancelo Move Make the Wing Count?
3 January 2026
Barcelona's January pursuit of Cancelo could reshape their plans
A Spanish press report on Saturday outlined Barcelona's interest in signing Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal, in this January window.
Cancelo is one of the candidates for Barca, especially as he seeks to leave Al Hilal and return to Europe.
Cancelo previously played for Barca on loan from Manchester City, and although both sides wanted a permanent move, City demanded too much money back then anyway.
Although Barca could sign him now, the club hasn't decided, due to Cancelo's high salary yet.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca president Joan Laporta will talk with sporting director Deco and coach Hans Flick to decide Cancelo's fate soon.
Barca officials know Cancelo wants to return to Camp Nou, but issues must be settled first, such as compliance with fair play.
And Cancelo's Saudi salary sits at 15 million euros a year. When the final decision comes, Barca must weigh whether they can accommodate that wage, alongside playing-body limits and January options.
Two light punchlines to brighten the transfer theatre: 1) If Cancelo signs, Barca will finally have a right-back who can defend and balance the payroll at the same time. 2) If the wage bites, they can always appoint him as a wingman in finance—the man already knows how to move on the wing and in the books.
