In a significant transfer move, Manchester City has finalized the sale of Portuguese full back Joao Cancelo to Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal for a substantial fee of USD 28 million, which approximates to Rs 235 crore. The 30-year-old Cancelo, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, is about to embark on a new chapter in his football career in the Middle East.
Joao Cancelo, who joined Manchester City in 2019 from Juventus, made an instant impact with his dynamic style of play. Known for his ability to play both as a right and left back, Cancelo quickly became a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s team. However, the tides turned midway through the 2022-23 season, when Cancelo found himself falling out of favor with the City manager.
The exact reasons behind Cancelo’s relegation to the bench remain a subject of much speculation. Some argue it was due to tactical disagreements, while others believe it was linked to internal team dynamics. What is undeniably clear is that Cancelo’s journey with Manchester City had become increasingly turbulent. As a result, Cancelo spent the latter parts of the 2022-23 season on loan, first at Bayern Munich and subsequently at Barcelona. These loan spells, while providing him with ample playing time, did not lead to any permanent transfer agreements, paving the way for his eventual move to Al Hilal.
Cancelo’s addition to the Al Hilal squad marks yet another headline-grabbing acquisition for the Saudi Pro League champions. Al Hilal has been on a spree of high-profile signings over recent years, attracting global football stars to the Kingdom. Cancelo will now join an already star-studded team that boasts the likes of Brazil’s Neymar and fellow Portuguese international Ruben Neves. Such acquisitions are part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabian clubs to bolster their squads with international talents, aiming to elevate the league’s status on the global stage.
For Cancelo, this transfer not only provides a fresh start but also an opportunity to reinvigorate his career amidst new surroundings and challenges.
. The defender, widely regarded for his attacking contributions from the back, will be expected to bring his wealth of experience and skill to Al Hilal, enhancing both their defensive lines and overall tactical flexibility. This move arguably reflects a broader trend seen in European football, where players are increasingly willing to explore opportunities in other leagues around the world.
The fans of Manchester City had mixed reactions to the news. While many appreciated Cancelo’s contributions to the club, there was also an acknowledgment that his exit felt somewhat inevitable given the circumstances surrounding his reduced role in the team. Cancelo’s tenure at City was marked by numerous successes, including multiple Premier League titles and a significant run in the Champions League. His departure, therefore, is seen as the end of an era for a player who has contributed significantly to City’s defensive and offensive plays.
In contrast, Al Hilal supporters are eagerly anticipating Cancelo’s arrival. The excitement surrounding his signing highlights the growing ambitions of Saudi Arabian clubs to dominate not just domestically but to gain recognition on a more global scale. The addition of Cancelo to a league that already contains a mix of emerging and established talents is expected to attract more international attention and elevate the overall quality of play.
This transfer was reported via a third-party syndicated feed and highlights the ever-shifting dynamics in global football markets. As clubs navigate the complexities of player signings and transfers, the movements of high-profile players like Joao Cancelo illustrate the intricate collaborations and negotiations that define modern football.
At this juncture, Manchester City’s management and fans alike are likely to reflect on Cancelo’s impactful, albeit tumultuous, stint at the club as they prepare to move forward without him. Pep Guardiola’s side will be focusing on integrating new talents and optimizing existing ones to fill the void left by Cancelo’s departure while aiming to continue their dominance in English and European football.
Meanwhile, Cancelo’s career will undoubtedly be one to watch closely as he embarks on this new venture with Al Hilal, bringing his European experience to the rapidly evolving Saudi Pro League.
