Following the breakdown of their pursuit of Manchester City captain Kyle Walker, Al Hilal has turned its attention to another City full-back, Joao Cancelo. According to sources, the Saudi Pro League club is prepared to offer Cancelo a tempting three-year contract worth approximately £15 million per season.
Cancelo has been on loan since January 2023, with spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Despite initial suggestions from Pep Guardiola that he could be reintegrated into the City squad, Cancelo has been left out of the matchday teams for the Community Shield and Premier League opener.
Barcelona had expressed interest in re-signing Cancelo after his loan spell last season, but financial limitations have prevented a deal. This has created an opportunity for Al Hilal, who are now actively seeking to acquire the 30-year-old defender.
Al Hilal’s interest in Cancelo stemmed from City’s decision to block Walker’s potential move to the Saudi Pro League. The club had initially considered Walker, Cancelo, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong for the right-back position.
Cancelo’s future at Manchester City has been uncertain since his loan move to Bayern Munich in January 2023. The German club opted not to make the move permanent, leading to his subsequent loan spell at Barcelona.
In a separate development, Manchester City is expected to announce the return of Ilkay Gundogan. The midfielder has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the option for another season, marking his return to the Etihad after leaving Barcelona by mutual consent.
This transfer saga highlights the increasing influence of the Saudi Pro League in the global football market, as they continue to attract high-profile players with lucrative offers.
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