Cancelo accepts salary cut to choose Barcelona over Al-Hilal

Joao Cancelo has accepted a salary reduction to complete a three-year move to Barcelona, choosing the Spanish club over remaining at Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old Portugal defender said he would prefer to spend an entire season without playing rather than continue with the Saudi club, even while collecting his salary.

Cancelo’s contract with Al-Hilal is due to end this summer, after which he will officially join Barcelona. The move follows another spell with the Catalan club and represents a return he strongly wanted to make. He has already made clear that Barcelona was his preferred destination.

The defender explained that he trained separately for a week before the move was completed. He also told Barcelona sporting director Deco that his choice was limited to joining the club or staying away from football for a year. Cancelo accepted the financial cost of that decision, giving up part of his wages to secure the transfer.

His latest Barcelona spell began with a loan move from Al-Hilal in January this year. He played 23 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and supplying four assists. Those appearances added to his previous experience with the club.

Cancelo also spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona after leaving Manchester City. Across 42 matches in all competitions during that campaign, he scored four times and created five goals. His two loan periods have therefore produced a substantial run of involvement for the Spanish side.

The Portugal international has said he is pleased to be back and wants to help Barcelona challenge for trophies. He also expressed confidence in the team being assembled at the club, which will now include him on a permanent three-year agreement rather than another temporary deal.