Joao Cancelo Set for Move to Al-Hilal from Manchester City

Footballers going to Saudi Arabia has been nothing new for us. Few of the Top names in the Football World have already moved to Middle Eastern Asia. A new addition to this list would be the name of Joao Cancelo. English Champions Manchester City have agreed a £21.2m deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal to sell defender Joao Cancelo.

Personal terms are not thought to be a problem, although Cancelo is yet to agree to the move. If he does, the 30-year-old is expected to sign a three-year contract, ending his five-year stay at Etihad Stadium. City manager Pep Guardiola said Cancelo could play for the club again this month. 

Cancelo has not played a competitive game for City since leaving on loan for Bayern Munich in January 2023, having fallen out with Pep Guardiola. He spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but their remarkable financial situation has prevented them from making the move permanent. Cancelo has not been involved in City's two Premier League games this season.

He also missed the Community Shield victory over Manchester United when several City players were unavailable, having featured at the European Championship in Germany. Initially, the Portugal defender became Guardiola's first inverted full-back but then lost his place just months after signing a new contract in 2022. 

Cancelo Heads to Al Hilal in £21m Deal

Manchester City have agreed terms on a £21m deal, with Cancelo currently in Paris negotiating his side of the move. Cancelo, who joined City from Juventus in 2019, is set to land a whopping £13million-a-year salary. He will link up with international team-mate Ruben Neves and Brazil superstar Neymar at Al Hilal.

When his deal is confirmed, it will take City’s incomings this summer to £145million - with potential add-ons worth a further £42million also on the table. Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid for £64m, rising to a potential £81m, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Liam Delap, Tommy Doyle, and Sergio Gomez have left for a combined £53m.