DUBAI: Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo has left Al-Hilal to join FC Barcelona on three-year-deal, the La Liga giants’ official social media accounts reported on Thursday evening. The Riyadh club terminated the 32-year-old’s contract, allowing him to join the Catalan club on a free transfer. Al-Hilal loaned Cancelo to Barcelona in January, with the player going on to make 23 appearances and score two goals with three assists. He helped Barcelona win their 29th La Liga title and reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

The 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona, and appeared 23 times in all competitions.

Barcelona have signed defender Joao Cancelo on a free transfer, the Spanish champions said Thursday. "The full-back arrives as a free agent and signs on until June 30, 2029," said…