Heading into the summer transfer window one of Manchester City’s biggest conundrums surrounded the future of Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international returned to the club after spending last season on loan at Barcelona. There appeared to be little chance of Cancelo returning to Pep Guardiola’s squad for this season. Now it appears that a solution to Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo issue may be just around the corner.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported via X that Al Hilal have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Joao Cancelo. Furthermore, Romano reports that a transfer package of up to €25 million will see Cancelo move to the Saudi Pro League. Lastly, Romano adds that Al Hilal are waiting for Joao Cancelo’s approval before sealing the deal.
Selling Joao Cancelo to Al Hilal is Manchester City’s best option this summer for both the player and the club.
While the move isn’t completed yet selling Joao Cancelo to Al Hilal is Manchester City’s best move for the full-back this summer. It has been apparent for some time that the Portuguese international doesn’t have a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. If the decision was based solely on playing ability Cancelo would likely remain a Manchester City player. But it has long appeared that the ship of Cancelo playing for Manchester City again sailed after his comments with ABola that emerged last season. Cancelo accused Manchester City of ‘lying’ about his unhappiness at the club when he was loaned to Bayern Munich during the 22/23 season. There were also other explosive claims in his interview with ABola. That interview appeared to be the final nail in the coffin of Cancelo’s City career.
For Joao Cancelo the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League should see him handsomely rewarded financially. It will also allow him to move on from Manchester City and put the club and his City career behind him.
It appears that a solution to Manchester City’s Cancelo problem is on the horizon. That is the best move for both parties. Manchester City will be happy to receive a tidy transfer fee for a player whose time appears up with the club. That looks to be a win if the move eventuates for the world champions.