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.
Cancelo’s personal terms are not expected to pose a problem, though he has yet to finalize the move. Should the transfer proceed, the 30-year-old is anticipated to sign a three-year contract, marking the end of his five-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
City manager Pep Guardiola mentioned earlier this month that Cancelo could potentially return to the team. Nevertheless, the ongoing discord that led to Cancelo’s loan stints with Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months has been a significant barrier.
Cancelo has not participated in Manchester City’s two Premier League matches this season. He was also absent from the Community Shield victory against Manchester United, as several City players were unavailable due to their participation in the European Championship in Germany.
Cancelo initially became Guardiola’s first inverted full-back but lost his position shortly after renewing his contract in 2022.
