Man City Agree £21.2m Saudi Move for Cancelo

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for the transfer of defender Joao Cancelo in a deal worth £21.2 million.

The personal terms are not expected to pose a problem, though Cancelo has not yet confirmed his acceptance of the move. Should he agree, the 30-year-old is anticipated to sign a three-year contract, concluding his five-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

City manager Pep Guardiola had mentioned earlier this month that Cancelo could potentially return to play for the club. However, the issues that led to Cancelo's loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months have been significant obstacles.

Cancelo has not featured in Manchester City's Premier League matches this season and was also absent from the Community Shield victory against Manchester United. Several City players were unavailable due to their participation in the European Championship in Germany.

Initially, the Portugal defender was Guardiola's first choice for the inverted full-back role, but he lost his position just months after signing a new contract in 2022.