The Joao Cancelo transfer saga is nearing its conclusion as Manchester City have agreed to a £21.2m deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for the defender. While personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block, Cancelo has yet to finalize the move. If he agrees, the 30-year-old will sign a three-year contract, marking the end of his five-year tenure at Etihad Stadium.
Despite Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s recent statement that Cancelo could still have a future at the club, the fallout that led to his loans to Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months has loomed large. This ongoing tension made it increasingly unlikely that Cancelo would reintegrate into Guardiola’s squad.
The Joao Cancelo transfer has been on the horizon, with the player notably absent from City’s first two Premier League matches this season, as well as the Community Shield victory over Manchester United. His absence was attributed to his involvement in the European Championship in Germany, alongside other City players who were also unavailable.
Cancelo initially gained prominence under Guardiola as the manager’s first choice for the inverted full-back role. However, his fortunes shifted just months after signing a new contract in 2022, leading to his eventual exit from the squad. With the Joao Cancelo transfer to Al-Hilal now imminent, his departure from Manchester City seems all but certain.
