Transfer: ‘Either I join Barça or spend a year without playing’ – Cancelo takes salary cut

Former Manchester City player, Joao Cancelo, has expressed that he would prefer to stay away from playing football for an entire season rather than continue at Al Hilal.

He said this ahead of his transfer to Barcelona, revealing that he has accepted a reduction in salary to join the Blaugrana this summer.

The Portuguese defender is poised to end his contract with Al-Hilal this summer.

He will officially join Barcelona, signing a three-year agreement. Prior to the formal announcement, Cancelo has already shared his enthusiasm about playing for the Spanish club.

Upon arriving in Spain, the former Manchester City player stated via Barca Blaugranes, “I’m very happy, I’m very pleased to be here, I’m where I want to be.

“I trained separately for a week. I informed Deco that it was either I came here or I would spend a year there without playing, while still receiving my salary.

“I sacrificed part of my salary, but it was either signing for Barça or nothing. It’s a very special club, I’m here to contribute and I hope to achieve many titles. We’re constructing a great team.”

Cancelo played for Barcelona last season, having joined on loan from Al-Hilal in January of this year. He made 23 appearances in various competitions, netting four goals and providing four assists.

The 32-year-old also had another loan stint at the Blaugrana during the 2023-24 season when he transferred from Manchester City. He recorded four goals and five assists in 42 matches across competitions during that period.