Manchester City are on the verge of completing a significant transfer deal, agreeing to sell their versatile defender Joao Cancelo to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for £21.2 million. This move, if finalized, will mark the end of Cancelo’s five-year stint at the Etihad Stadium and could signal a broader trend of top European players moving to the burgeoning Saudi league.
Cancelo’s Journey at Manchester City
Joao Cancelo joined Manchester City in the summer of 2019 from Juventus in a deal worth around £60 million, which at the time made him one of the most expensive full-backs in football history. Over his five seasons at City, Cancelo established himself as a key player under manager Pep Guardiola, known for his exceptional versatility, tactical intelligence, and ability to operate effectively on both flanks.
Initially deployed as a right-back, Cancelo quickly adapted to Guardiola’s demands, often playing as a left-back or even as an inverted full-back, where he would drift into central midfield to support the team’s build-up play. His technical skills, combined with his defensive acumen and attacking prowess, made him one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.
Cancelo played a crucial role in City’s domestic and European successes, helping the club win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. His contributions were not just limited to his defensive duties; he also provided numerous assists and occasionally scored important goals, making him a complete package in Guardiola’s squad.
The Shift Towards Al-Hilal
Despite his successes at Manchester City, Cancelo’s future at the club became uncertain in the latter half of the 2022-2023 season. Reports suggested that his relationship with Guardiola had strained, leading to his loan move to Bayern Munich in January 2023. While his time at Bayern was relatively successful, the German club opted not to make the move permanent, sending Cancelo back to City at the end of the season.
With the 2023-2024 season underway, Cancelo’s role at City seemed increasingly uncertain. Guardiola’s preference for younger full-backs like Kyle Walker and the emerging Rico Lewis further limited Cancelo’s chances of regular first-team football. As a result, City began exploring options for his departure, and interest from Al-Hilal quickly materialized.
Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful football clubs, has been making waves in the transfer market, attracting several high-profile players from European leagues. The Saudi Pro League, backed by significant financial investments, is rapidly becoming a destination for established stars, offering lucrative contracts and a new challenge for players looking to extend their careers.
The Financials and Contract Details
The £21.2 million fee agreed between Manchester City and Al-Hilal represents a significant discount from the amount City initially paid for Cancelo. However, given the current market dynamics and Cancelo’s age, this fee is seen as a fair reflection of his value. Moreover, the deal provides City with a financial boost and the opportunity to reinvest in other areas of the squad.
If Cancelo agrees to the move, he would join a growing list of European stars who have opted for a switch to the Saudi Pro League, drawn by the financial incentives and the chance to be part of the league’s ambitious growth plans.
Cancelo’s potential departure from Manchester City marks the end of an era, but it also reflects the club’s evolving strategy under Guardiola. City have shown a willingness to part ways with players who no longer fit the manager’s plans, even if they have been key contributors in the past. This pragmatic approach has been key to their sustained success, allowing them to refresh the squad regularly and maintain their competitive edge.
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