Al Hilal, a popular football club in Saudi Arabia, has made a significant move by officially signing Portuguese player João Cancelo from Manchester City. This transfer was made following a recommendation from Al Hilal’s Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, who expressed a desire to strengthen the full-back position by bringing in his compatriot Cancelo. The deal is for the next three seasons and involves a transfer fee of 25 million euros to be paid in three installments, with the first payment due upon signing the contract.
Cancelo’s versatility allows him to play both right and left-back positions, making him an ideal replacement for Saud Abdul Hamid, who recently moved to AS Roma. Cancelo began his professional career with Benfica in Portugal in 2014, where he also played under Jorge Jesus. He later moved to Valencia in Spain, followed by a loan spell at Inter Milan. Cancelo then spent a season at Juventus before transferring to Manchester City in 2019. He had loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona before making the move to Al Hilal.
The signing of Cancelo is considered one of the most significant deals of the season in the Saudi Pro League, showcasing Al Hilal’s ambition to strengthen their squad and remain competitive in the league. With Cancelo’s experience playing for top clubs in Europe, including Manchester City and Juventus, he brings a wealth of talent and skills to the team. His familiarity with Jorge Jesus’ coaching style from their time together at Benfica will help facilitate his transition into the squad.
This acquisition marks an important milestone for Al Hilal as they aim to maintain their position as one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia. Cancelo’s experience and proven track record in top European leagues will bolster the team’s defense and provide valuable support in both attacking and defensive plays. The club’s fans are eager to see Cancelo in action and are hopeful that his presence will lead to success on the pitch, both domestically and in international competitions.
The transfer of Cancelo highlights the growing trend of top European players making moves to the Middle East, attracted by the competitive leagues and lucrative contracts offered by clubs in the region. Al Hilal’s ability to attract a player of Cancelo’s caliber demonstrates the growing reputation and appeal of the Saudi Pro League on the global stage. This signing not only strengthens Al Hilal’s squad but also raises the profile of the league as a whole, attracting more attention from fans and sponsors alike.
Overall, the signing of João Cancelo by Al Hilal represents a significant step forward for the club in their quest for success in domestic and international competitions. With Cancelo’s talent and experience, combined with Jorge Jesus’ leadership and coaching abilities, Al Hilal is poised to make a strong impact in the Saudi Pro League and beyond. The fans are excited to see Cancelo in the team colors and are hopeful that his presence will lead to a successful season for the club. As the trend of top European players moving to the Middle East continues, Al Hilal’s acquisition of Cancelo solidifies their position as a top destination for football talent.
