Aug 20 (Reuters) - Barcelona have ⁠signed fullback Joao Cancelo on a free transfer until June ⁠2029, the LaLiga champions said on Thursday, with the Portugal international ‌returning to the Catalan club for a third spell.

The 32-year-old first joined Barca on loan from Premier League side Manchester City during the 2023-24 season before returning on ​another loan spell from Saudi Pro League ⁠club Al-Hilal in January.

Across his ⁠two stints at Barca, Cancelo made 65 appearances, scoring six goals and ⁠providing ‌nine assists.

Cancelo terminated his contract with Al-Hilal by mutual consent before completing his return to Barca, according to media reports.

"The ⁠fullback arrives as a free agent and signs a ​contract up to ‌30 June 2029," Barca said in a statement.

"Cancelo now signs a ⁠permanent contract ​with Barca and is back available for Hansi Flick, who clearly trusts the fullback and will try to make the most of his talents and ⁠attacking intent. Cancelo is a blaugrana!"

A product of ​Benfica's academy, Cancelo has enjoyed a globe-trotting career, representing Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Man City, Bayern Munich, Barca and Al-Hilal.

He won three Premier League ⁠titles during his time at City. He also won Serie A with Juventus in 2018-19 and the Bundesliga with Bayern in 2022-23, among several other honours.

Cancelo was part of Portugal's squad at this year's World ​Cup, where they were eliminated by Spain in ⁠the round of 16.

Barca are chasing a third consecutive LaLiga title under ​Flick and have further strengthened their squad ‌with the additions of 2024 Ballon d'Or ​winner Rodri, England winger Anthony Gordon and Germany forward Karim Adeyemi.

(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis)