Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo has made a surprising move from Premier League giants Manchester City to Saudi club Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League champions after spending last season on loan at Barcelona. Cancelo joined Manchester City in 2019 from Juventus and was a key player in his first three seasons at the club, winning three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup, and playing a crucial role in City’s Champions League victory in 2022-23.
However, it seems that Cancelo fell out with manager Pep Guardiola over playing time issues, leading to his loan spell at Bayern Munich for the latter part of the 2022-23 season. Despite this setback, Cancelo remains a highly sought-after player, with Al-Hilal securing his services as their first big signing of the transfer window. He joins a star-studded lineup that includes Brazilian superstar Neymar, as well as former Premier League players Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic under the management of Jorge Jesus.
Cancelo’s move to Al-Hilal marks a new chapter in his career and provides him with the opportunity to showcase his skills in a new league and environment. The Saudi Pro League has been attracting top talents from around the world in recent years, and Cancelo’s arrival only adds to the growing profile of the competition. With his experience at top clubs like Manchester City, Juventus, and Barcelona, Cancelo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new team, which will undoubtedly benefit Al-Hilal in their pursuit of domestic and continental success.
Despite not playing since Portugal’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 quarter-finals exit to France, Cancelo will be eager to make an impact at his new club and prove his worth on the pitch once again. His versatility as a full-back who can also play as a wing-back or in midfield makes him a valuable asset for any team, and Al-Hilal will be hoping that he can make a significant contribution to their ongoing success. With his talent, experience, and winning mentality, Cancelo has all the attributes to make a significant impact at Al-Hilal and help them achieve their goals in the coming seasons.
The transfer of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City to Al-Hilal has generated significant buzz in the football world, with fans and experts alike eager to see how the Portuguese star adapts to his new surroundings. The move represents a major shift for Cancelo, who will now be plying his trade in a different league and culture than what he is accustomed to. However, his experience at the highest levels of European football should stand him in good stead as he embarks on this new challenge in Saudi Arabia.
With his impressive track record and skill set, Cancelo has the potential to make a lasting impact at Al-Hilal and help the club maintain their status as one of the top teams in the region. His addition to the squad adds further depth and quality to an already talented lineup, and his presence will undoubtedly raise the team’s ambitions for future success. As Cancelo settles into his new surroundings and builds chemistry with his new teammates, fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut for Al-Hilal as he looks to make his mark in the Saudi Pro League.
