ar- العربية Portuguese defender João Cancelo has made a notable switch from Manchester City to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for a reported £21.2 million. This transfer marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Cancelo’s career as he sets out on a journey in the Middle East.
Cancelo joined Manchester City from Juventus in the summer of 2019 for £60 million. Under Pep Guardiola’s management, he quickly became a key player in City’s defense, demonstrating his versatility and technical skills. During his four-year stint at the club, Cancelo made 154 appearances, scored nine goals, and played a pivotal role in City’s achievements.
While at City, Cancelo helped the team clinch two Premier League titles and a Carabao Cup, solidifying his standing as one of the top full-backs in the game. However, after a disagreement with Guardiola, he was loaned to Bayern Munich in January 2023, where he continued to shine. He then spent the entire 2023/24 season on loan with Barcelona, further honing his skills at the top level of European football.
Despite Guardiola hinting at a possible future for Cancelo at City, he was left out of the squad for the first two Premier League matches of the 2024/25 season. This absence suggested that Cancelo’s time at the club was nearing its end, paving the way for his move to Al-Hilal.
Upon finalizing his transfer, Cancelo expressed his appreciation for his time at Manchester City, saying, “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 teammates, the coaches, all the staff at City, and the fans for everything during my time here.”
Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, also praised Cancelo’s contributions, stating, “I would like to thank João for his impact during a remarkable period at City. He played a key role in our title-winning campaigns and was a significant influence on the field. I also wish him the best for the future and the rest of his career.”
As Cancelo begins his new adventure with Al-Hilal, fans will be watching closely to see how he adjusts to the Saudi Pro League and enhances his new team’s performance. His move to Saudi Arabia presents a fresh challenge, and there is little doubt that his experience and talent will be a great asset to Al-Hilal as they continue to build a strong squad.