Without an official announcement: Al-Ahli return Cancelo to the Barcelona pitch

The Portuguese full-back has ended his journey with Al-Hilal

Egyptian club Al-Ahly have brought Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo back to Barcelona's stadium, despite the Catalan club not having officially announced his signing as yet.

Al-Ahly visit Barcelona today, Wednesday, at the Spotify Camp Nou for a friendly to contest the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Cancelo turned up alongside Barcelona's players just a few minutes before kick-off at the Spotify Camp Nou, despite still being an Al-Hilal player on paper.

Press reports have confirmed that the Saudi club agreed with the Portuguese full-back to tear up his contract, which was due to expire at the end of the current season, in exchange for him waiving the remainder of his dues.

The Catalans are expected to announce his signing officially within the coming few hours on a free transfer, allowing him to finish the journey he began in the second half of last season.

The 32-year-old joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2024, but he was frozen out of the club's domestic squad last season, prompting his loan switch to Barcelona for the second half of the campaign.

Cancelo impressed with the Catalan side during that loan spell and helped fire them to the La Liga title, at the expense of traditional rivals Real Madrid.