Manchester City has reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal to sell defender Joao Cancelo for £21.2m. While personal terms are not expected to be an issue, Cancelo has yet to confirm the move. If he does, the 30-year-old will sign a three-year contract, bringing an end to his five-year tenure at Etihad Stadium.
Cancelo’s potential departure comes after City manager Pep Guardiola stated that the defender could still have a future at the club earlier this month. However, the disagreement that led to Cancelo being loaned out to Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past year and a half was always likely to create difficulties.
Cancelo has not featured in City’s first two Premier League matches of the season. He was also absent from the Community Shield victory over Manchester United, where several City players were unavailable due to their involvement in the European Championship in Germany.
Initially, Cancelo was Guardiola’s first choice as an inverted full-back. However, he lost his place in the team just a few months after signing a new contract in 2022.
This potential transfer raises questions about City’s defensive options and their plans for the upcoming season. With Cancelo’s departure, Guardiola may need to rely on other players to fill the void left by the Portuguese defender. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts and whether they will seek a replacement in the transfer market.
Moreover, this move highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global football market. Al-Hilal’s acquisition of Cancelo for a significant fee showcases their ambition to compete with top European clubs. It also reflects the financial power of Saudi Arabian football, which has been steadily increasing in recent years.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s agreement to sell Joao Cancelo to Al-Hilal for £21.2m signals a potential end to the defender’s time at the club. This transfer, if completed, raises questions about City’s defensive plans and highlights the rising influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in the football world. As the deal progresses, fans and pundits will be keeping a close eye on City’s next moves in the transfer market.