Manchester City have officially confirmed that fullback Joao Cancelo has joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on a permanent deal. Cancelo will sign a four-year contract with the current Saudi Pro League champions, earning up to €15 million a year.
Joao Cancelo has completed a permanent move to Al Hilal ✍️
Thank you for everything, Joao! pic.twitter.com/yWGsBmcj6I
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 27, 2024
The defender’s departure from Manchester was expected throughout the summer. Cancelo was no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans and was eager to leave the Etihad Stadium. While there were rumours linking him with a move back to Barcelona, it was Al Hilal who ultimately managed to sign the fullback. Man City will receive a fee of €25 million for the Portugal international.
Before completing his transfer, the 30-year-old defender said: “I would like to wish everyone at City continued success in the future. I had many very special moments during my time here at this great Club. I would like to thank my team-mates, the coaches, all the staff at City and the fans for everything during my time here.”
An ICONIC trivela from Cancelo! ✨ pic.twitter.com/0qAiQBSuOx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 27, 2024
A BENFICA YOUTH PRODUCT WHO SUCCEEDED AT MAN 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, Joao Cancelo was again linked with a permanent move to Barcelona, but the Blaugrana ultimately decided against it.
“João Cancelo” rises from the heights of the planet… to #AlHilal #CanceloIsHilali
pic.twitter.com/1lHJZOKT6A— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 27, 2024
With players like Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker in the squad, Manchester City are not expected to replace Cancelo with another fullback.
