Ex-Barcelona loanee on verge of €40m Saudi switch | OneFootball

A former member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona is all set to take his talents to the Middle East before the summer is out.

That’s according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, who point towards João Cancelo as the player in question.

Full-back Cancelo, of course, spent last season plying his trade on loan with the aforementioned Barcelona, for whom the 30-year-old played a starring role.

All told, he managed 42 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and five assists along the way.

Such production had given rise to widespread speculation that Cancelo could make his way back to the Camp Nou for the season ahead, to line out under new Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick.

As much, however, now looks all but ruled out.

This comes amid the understanding that the former Juventus and Inter Milan man is on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia.

As per a report from A Bola:

‘Manchester City have already reached an agreement with Al Hilal regarding the transfer of the Portuguese international.’

The Saudi Pro League champions are said to be ready to fork over a considerable €40 million to their counterparts at The Etihad, with Cancelo, for his part, in line for a €70 million payout over the next three seasons.

Conor Laird | GSFN