Manchester City’s Cancelo Imminent Move to Al-Hilal: A Breakdown

João Cancelo, the Portuguese left-back, is set to make a significant move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, according to Portuguese newspaper “A Bola”. The 29-year-old defender is expected to join the Riyadh-based side for a reported €40 million (approximately R$243 million), signing a three-year contract.

The Transfer Agreement
The contract will see Cancelo receive an annual salary of €70 million (approximately R$145 million) for the duration of the three-year deal, which expires in the first half of 2027. This move marks a significant departure from Cancelo’s previous plans, as he has been excluded from Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City.

A Turbulent Career
Cancelo’s time at Manchester City was marked by frequent loan moves, most notably to Bayern Munich and Barcelona. During his 154 games for the Citizens, he scored nine goals and provided 21 assists. Despite his impressive numbers, he failed to feature in the club’s maiden European title-winning campaign.

Replacing Michael
The Portuguese defender will join Al-Hilal to fill one of the available foreign slots following the departure of Michael to Flamengo. Another non-Saudi Arabian player will either be released or excluded from competitions, with Neymar set to return to action shortly after recovering from a year-long knee injury.

Key Statistics

  • João Cancelo: 154 games, 9 goals, 21 assists
  • Manchester City: 3 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League title

The Impact on Al-Hilal
Cancelo’s arrival will bring a significant upgrade to Al-Hilal’s defense, bolstering the team’s chances of success in both domestic and international competitions. The Portuguese international will be tasked with filling the void left by Michael’s departure and will be expected to make an immediate impact.

The Future at Manchester City
With Cancelo on the move, Manchester City will need to refocus on strengthening their squad. The Citizens have a thriving youth academy, and can be expected to promote young talents to fill the gaps left by experienced players like Cancelo.

Conclusion
In conclusion, João Cancelo’s departure from Manchester City marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. His arrival at Al-Hilal will be heavily anticipated by fans of the Saudi Arabian club, who will be eager to see the Portuguese defender make his mark on the Saudi Pro League.

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