Explained: Why Barcelona DELETED all traces of Joao Cancelo transfer just minutes after official announcement
Barcelona fans were left confused on Tuesday after the club announced the return of Joao Cancelo only to immediately wipe all evidence from their social media channels. The Portuguese full-back had been pictured signing a contract to seal his loan move from Al-Hilal, but a delay in paperwork led to a hasty retreat by the club's media team as they wait for the final green light.It was intended to be a moment of celebration for the Blaugrana faithful: the official confirmation that Cancelo was back at the club to provide a boost to their season. For a brief window on Tuesday afternoon, the news was live. Barcelona’s official website and social media platforms proudly broadcast the agreement with Al-Hilal for the loan of the Portuguese defender until the end of the campaign, complete with details about his shirt number and photos of the signing.However, almost as quickly as the posts appeared, they vanished. The official statement was no longer on the club's website and the celebratory tweets were scrubbed from the timeline. The sudden blackout sparked immediate concern of a possible failed medical, a last-minute contract dispute, or a collapse in negotiations.The reality is far less dramatic, though arguably more embarrassing for the club’s communications departmentAccording to Mundo Deportivo, the decision to pull the announcement was made because the club is still waiting to exchange the final pieces of documentation with Al-Hilal. While the agreement is in place and the player is physically present in Barcelona, the formal bureaucratic process involving the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and the final sign-off from the Saudi Pro League side had not been fully completed when the publish button was hit.Sources from within the Catalan club have moved quickly to quell fears, assuring that the operation is sealed and that it is "only a matter of time" before the paperwork arrives to formalise the transfer. The media team, perhaps eager to share the good news with a fanbase desperate for reinforcements, appears to have acted slightly ahead of the legal department.The strict protocols regarding international transfers require that all documentation be perfectly aligned between the two associations - the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) - before a player can be officially registered. Until that final electronic handshake occurs in the Transfer Matching System (TMS), the player is technically not yet a Barcelona employee again, prompting the club to retract the announcement to ensure full compliance with regulations.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Despite the digital disappearance, the physical reality of the transfer is undeniable. Cancelo was present at the club’s offices on Tuesday to put pen to paper, attending a formal signing ceremony that went ahead regardless of the online chaos. The Portuguese star was accompanied by his family and the heavy hitters of the Barcelona boardroom including president Joan Laporta.During this brief period of visibility, one key detail was confirmed: Cancelo will wear the number 2 shirt. This is the same number he wore during his previous loan spell in the 2023-24 season. The jersey had become available following a reshuffle in the squad numbers earlier in the year; young centre-back Pau Cubarsí, who had worn that number temporarily, recently switched to the No. 5 shirt left vacant by Inigo Martínez in the summer.By reclaiming the number, Cancelo steps back into a lineage of illustrious full-backs at the Camp Nou. He follows in the footsteps of legends such as Dani Alves, Juliano Belletti and Albert Ferrer, all of whom defined the position for their respective generations. The restoration of Cancelo to this number signals the club’s intent to utilise him as a first-choice starter immediately.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWhile the "delete" button has caused a temporary stir, the signing is for all intents and purposes complete. Cancelo’s presence in the offices, the photographs with the president, and the signed contracts that are currently sitting on a desk in Barcelona are proof that his return is imminent.The initial announcement, though premature, revealed that the deal is a straight loan until the end of the season. Cancelo returns to a familiar environment where he previously played 42 matches, scoring four goals and providing five assists. His adaptation period is expected to be non-existent, which is vital for a mid-season acquisition.
Barcelona fans were left confused on Tuesday after the club announced the return of Joao Cancelo only to immediately wipe all evidence from their social media channels. The Portuguese full-back had been pictured signing a contract to seal his loan move from Al-Hilal, but a delay in paperwork led to a hasty retreat by the club's media team as they wait for the final green light.It was intended to be a moment of celebration for the Blaugrana faithful: the official confirmation that Cancelo was back at the club to provide a boost to their season. For a brief window on Tuesday afternoon, the news was live. Barcelona’s official website and social media platforms proudly broadcast the agreement with Al-Hilal for the loan of the Portuguese defender until the end of the campaign, complete with details about his shirt number and photos of the signing.However, almost as quickly as the posts appeared, they vanished. The official statement was no longer on the club's website and the celebratory tweets were scrubbed from the timeline. The sudden blackout sparked immediate concern of a possible failed medical, a last-minute contract dispute, or a collapse in negotiations.The reality is far less dramatic, though arguably more embarrassing for the club’s communications departmentAccording to Mundo Deportivo, the decision to pull the announcement was made because the club is still waiting to exchange the final pieces of documentation with Al-Hilal. While the agreement is in place and the player is physically present in Barcelona, the formal bureaucratic process involving the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and the final sign-off from the Saudi Pro League side had not been fully completed when the publish button was hit.Sources from within the Catalan club have moved quickly to quell fears, assuring that the operation is sealed and that it is "only a matter of time" before the paperwork arrives to formalise the transfer. The media team, perhaps eager to share the good news with a fanbase desperate for reinforcements, appears to have acted slightly ahead of the legal department.The strict protocols regarding international transfers require that all documentation be perfectly aligned between the two associations - the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) - before a player can be officially registered. Until that final electronic handshake occurs in the Transfer Matching System (TMS), the player is technically not yet a Barcelona employee again, prompting the club to retract the announcement to ensure full compliance with regulations.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Despite the digital disappearance, the physical reality of the transfer is undeniable. Cancelo was present at the club’s offices on Tuesday to put pen to paper, attending a formal signing ceremony that went ahead regardless of the online chaos. The Portuguese star was accompanied by his family and the heavy hitters of the Barcelona boardroom including president Joan Laporta.During this brief period of visibility, one key detail was confirmed: Cancelo will wear the number 2 shirt. This is the same number he wore during his previous loan spell in the 2023-24 season. The jersey had become available following a reshuffle in the squad numbers earlier in the year; young centre-back Pau Cubarsí, who had worn that number temporarily, recently switched to the No. 5 shirt left vacant by Inigo Martínez in the summer.By reclaiming the number, Cancelo steps back into a lineage of illustrious full-backs at the Camp Nou. He follows in the footsteps of legends such as Dani Alves, Juliano Belletti and Albert Ferrer, all of whom defined the position for their respective generations. The restoration of Cancelo to this number signals the club’s intent to utilise him as a first-choice starter immediately.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWhile the "delete" button has caused a temporary stir, the signing is for all intents and purposes complete. Cancelo’s presence in the offices, the photographs with the president, and the signed contracts that are currently sitting on a desk in Barcelona are proof that his return is imminent.The initial announcement, though premature, revealed that the deal is a straight loan until the end of the season. Cancelo returns to a familiar environment where he previously played 42 matches, scoring four goals and providing five assists. His adaptation period is expected to be non-existent, which is vital for a mid-season acquisition.
The Confusion Unraveled
Barcelona fans were left puzzled as the club initially announced Joao Cancelo's return only to swiftly remove all traces from their social media platforms. The sudden deletion of the news ignited speculations of failed medicals, contract disputes, or collapsed negotiations. However, the reality behind the disappearance was far less dramatic.
Behind the Scenes
Reports suggest that Barcelona retracted the announcement due to pending paperwork exchanges with Al-Hilal regarding Joao Cancelo's loan deal. Despite the player being physically present in Barcelona, the final documentation, including the International Transfer Certificate and the approval from Al-Hilal, was still pending completion at the time of the premature announcement.
Navigating the Regulations
Stringent protocols surrounding international transfers mandate that all documentation between the two football associations – RFEF and SAFF – must be thoroughly aligned before a player can be officially registered. The delay in the paperwork exchange prompted Barcelona to retract the announcement to ensure compliance with regulatory processes.
The Physical Evidence
Despite the online turmoil, the physical ceremony for Joao Cancelo's signing took place as planned at Barcelona's offices. The player, flanked by his family and Barcelona's top brass, including president Joan Laporta, formalized the deal. Additionally, it was confirmed that Cancelo would don the number 2 shirt, indicating his immediate role as a key starter for the club.
A Promising Return
Joao Cancelo's imminent return on a loan deal until the season's end signifies a seamless transition back to a familiar environment. With his past experience at the club and the immediate assignment of the iconic number 2 shirt, Cancelo is poised to make an instant impact on the team, aligning with Barcelona's ambitions for a stronger season.
