Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have reportedly submitted an official bid to Manchester City for the permanent transfer of Joao Cancelo.
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the bid, though he did not disclose the exact amount. According to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, City have accepted a bid of approximately €40 million for the 30-year-old right-back. With Cancelo no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans and eager to leave the Etihad Stadium, the deal is expected to be finalised soon.
A Benfica youth product who succeeded at City
Cancelo began his career in the youth ranks of Benfica before moving permanently to Valencia, where he impressed in La Liga. After a season on loan at Inter Milan, Juventus signed him on a permanent deal when Inter opted not to activate his buy clause. Following a successful season in Italy, Manchester City acquired Cancelo for around £60 million in August 2019, making him the most expensive right-back in history at the time.
Though Cancelo had a slow start at the Etihad, he quickly became a crucial player under Guardiola, contributing significantly from the flanks and helping City secure two consecutive Premier League titles. However, his fourth season saw tensions rise with Guardiola, particularly over game time, as Cancelo struggled to accept being benched in favour of youngster Rico Lewis.
Joao Cancelo farewell was coming
This led to Cancelo’s loan to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, though the Bundesliga champions declined to make the move permanent at the end of the season. He subsequently spent another season on loan at Barcelona, who also chose not to sign him permanently due to financial constraints.
Upon returning to Manchester this summer, Cancelo was again linked with a permanent move to Barcelona, but the Blaugrana ultimately decided against it. With the transfer window closing soon, a move to the Saudi Pro League appears to be the most viable option for the Portugal international.
With Lewis and Kyle Walker in the squad, Manchester City are unlikely to feel the need to replace Cancelo, effectively netting the club €40 million without requiring reinvestment in a new right-back.
