Christensen & Cancelo: LaLiga Registration Updates for Barcelona

KOMPAS.com – The Spanish League (LaLiga) Medical Commission has approved the long-term injury status of Barcelona player Andreas Christensen.

This decision paves the way for Barcelona to immediately register Joao Cancelo in the winter transfer market.

Based on reports Sports WorldAndreas Christensen’s injury is categorized as a long-term injury.

Therefore, Barcelona obtained permission to utilize 80 percent of Christensen’s salary space in accordance with LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Andreas Christensen partially tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training session at the end of 2025.

Also read: Barcelona vs Real Madrid: No special treatment for Mbappe

This injury means the Barcelona central defender is expected to be sidelined for five months.

This situation prompted club management to immediately look for a solution amidst the limited market for defenders in the January transfer market.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, believes that the best option available is Joao Cancelo, a full-back from Portugal who is currently playing for Al Hilal.

Joao Cancelo Ready to Return to Camp Nou

Joao Cancelo has shown a strong desire to return to the Barcelona uniform after playing for the Catalan club in the 2023-2024 season.

All preparations for the move have been made and the contract signing process is expected to be completed next week, after the team returns from Saudi Arabia.

With LaLiga approving Andreas Christensen’s injury status, Barcelona will not encounter administrative obstacles in registering Cancelo.

Also read: Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Lamine Yamal Ready to Start in the Spanish Super Cup Final

The 31-year-old will join on loan with no option to buy, although he hopes to stay longer at Camp Nou.

Deco explained the technical considerations behind Barcelona’s decision to recruit Cancelo rather than a new center back.

“We will have Ronald Araujo back, and the coach has said that with him we have another center back option,” Deco said as quoted by Barca UniversalSunday (11/1/2026).

“Cancelo and Eric Garcia don’t need to play as wing-backs as often as before, a position he often occupies.”