The Saudi Pro League looks to be set to once again splash the cash again this summer. Manchester City sold Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to Saudi clubs last summer. Both moves fetched the champions handsome transfer fees for the two players. History may repeat itself with Saudi Pro League clubs again reportedly interested in several City stars.
Spanish publication Sport has reported that Manchester City have held talks with two Saudi Pro League clubs over Joao Cancelo. Furthermore, Sport adds that City are confident that one of those clubs can ‘seduce’ Cancelo into a move to the Gulf State. Lastly, Sport adds that while Barcelona are interested in Cancelo they cannot afford to make a permanent move for Cancelo at this stage of the transfer window.
The champions could cash in this summer from the Saudi Pro League.
Manchester City could cash in on several players this summer by selling them to Saudi Pro League clubs. It is in City’s best interests to sell Cancelo to the highest bidder. If that proves to be a cashed-up Saudi Pro League club it is better for City. Given the financial might of the Saudi clubs, they could pay the champions a tidy fee for their forgotten full-back. However, the ball is in Cancelo’s court if he wishes to move to the Gulf State or not. The full-back is under contract at City and does have the final say in his preferred destination. But the champions do retain hope that Cancelo could be tempted by the large salaries on offer from the Gulf State.
There is also the possibility that Manchester City could sell other players to the Saudi Pro League. As reported by Gianluigi Longari Ederson has agreed personal terms with Al Nassr. City could potentially land a sizable transfer fee for their number-one keeper. They will likely not sell Ederson for a small fee. Given his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side and his status in the game, the champions would receive a hefty transfer fee for their number-one keeper.
In the era of financial fair play regulations and net spend Manchester City could be set to again profit from the Saudi Pro League’s riches. Who they may target from City is now a story to watch for. Given their deep pockets and vast ambitions it is unlikely that Cancelo and Ederson are the only City players in the Saudi Pro League’s crosshairs.