Manchester City Accepts $28 Million Offer for Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal

Manchester City has agreed to transfer Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo to Al-Hilal for $28 million (£21.2m). Personal terms are not anticipated to be a hurdle, although Cancelo has yet to commit to the move. If finalized, Cancelo will sign a three-year deal, ending his five-year tenure at Etihad Stadium. This is prepared by SSP.

Cancelo joined City from Juventus in 2019 and quickly became a top full-back in the Premier League. He played 154 matches, scored nine goals, and provided 21 assists, helping City to three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and one League Cup. The 30-year-old initially held a critical role under manager Pep Guardiola but faced challenges later, leading to loans to Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months.

The transfer follows Al-Hilal's aim to replace right-back Saud Abdulhamid, who is likely moving to Italian club Roma. Cancelo's move aligns with Hilal’s ongoing success, given their domestic double win last season and strong start to this one.

Despite an assertion by Guardiola that Cancelo might have a future at City, he was missing in City's opening Premier League games and the Community Shield. Compounded by financial restrictions in Barcelona, a permanent switch was unrealistic following his loan spell.

Cancelo's professional milestones also include league titles in Portugal, Italy, and Germany. Internationally, he's been capped 58 times by Portugal since his debut in 2016, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019. This summer, he was a consistent player for Portugal at the European Championship.

Al-Hilal’s president Fahad bin Nafel is reportedly in Paris to finalize negotiations for Cancelo. The addition of Cancelo fortifies an already star-studded Al-Hilal squad featuring big names like Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and others, with the team recently securing the Saudi Super Cup and making an assertive start to their league campaign.

Manchester City, defending their Premier League title, have commenced their season with victories against Chelsea and Ipswich Town.