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In a significant move that could reshape his career, Manchester City have reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for the transfer of Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo. The deal, valued at £21.2 million, is set to bring Cancelo’s five-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium to an end, pending the agreement of personal terms.
The Next Chapter for Cancelo
At 30 years old, Cancelo is expected to sign a three-year contract with Al-Hilal, marking a new chapter in his career after a turbulent period at Manchester City. Although personal terms have yet to be finalized, sources suggest that they are unlikely to pose a problem.
If the deal goes through, Cancelo’s departure will officially conclude a five-year stint that has seen both highs and lows under the management of Pep Guardiola. Initially a key figure in Guardiola’s tactical setup, Cancelo pioneered the role of the inverted full-back at Manchester City. However, despite his early success, his time at the club has been marked by recent challenges, including a dip in form and subsequent loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months.
A Complex Relationship with Guardiola
Cancelo’s relationship with Guardiola, once strong, became strained after he lost his place in the squad just months after signing a new contract in 2022. This tension eventually led to his temporary moves away from Manchester, and while Guardiola stated earlier this month that Cancelo could still play for City, the prospect always seemed unlikely given the history between the two.
This season, Cancelo has not featured in either of City’s opening Premier League matches. He was also absent from the Community Shield victory over Manchester United, a match where several City players were unavailable due to their involvement in the European Championship in Germany.
Al-Hilal: A New Frontier
For Cancelo, a move to Al-Hilal represents not just a fresh start, but also a chance to reinvent himself in a rapidly growing league. The Saudi Pro League has attracted significant attention in recent years, with clubs like Al-Hilal making ambitious moves in the transfer market. Joining their ranks could offer Cancelo both a new challenge and an opportunity to reclaim the form that made him one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe.
As the transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on Cancelo as he decides whether to embrace this new opportunity. Should the deal be finalized, it will mark the end of a complex but memorable period in Manchester, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
