Joao Cancelo and Manchester City finalise transfer agreement with Saudi Pro League giants | OneFootball

Manchester City have now received the final green light from Joao Cancelo over an exit from the club towards Saudi Arabia this summer, it has been confirmed.

The future of the Portugal international has been in limbo for the entirety of the summer, having returned to the City Football Academy for pre-season training after the conclusion of his loan deal at FC Barcelona.

The widespread understanding is that the 30-year-old held an intent to return to the Catalan club for another season, or potentially on a permanent agreement this summer, but their precarious financial position has prevented any deal from materialising.

As such, Manchester City and the player’s agent Jorge Mendes have worked tirelessly to source a new agreement or opportunity for the player, with interest from Italy being mooted in various quarters, specifically from Inter and Juventus.

While nothing was to come to fruition, a new opportunity has now been finalised on all sides of the proposal, with Joao Cancelo now set to leave European football and bring an end to his time at the Etihad Stadium.

According to the information of transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, a deal is now in place for a €25 million package involving Manchester City that will see Joao Cancelo leave the club for Al Hilal.

It is pointed out that the Portugal international has already completed the first part of his medical with the Saudi Pro League club and a verbal agreement with the player is now done, and only awaiting the signing of documentation in the next hours.

Cancelo himself has reportedly agreed to an eye-watering salary package in the region of €15 million net per year on a deal with Al Hilal until 2027.

Manchester City are not expected to seek a replacement for Joao Cancelo in the days that remain in this summer’s transfer market, with Pep Guardiola and his staff undoubtedly satisfied with their existing full-back options.

Rico Lewis has impressed throughout pre-season and into the ongoing competitive campaign, holding down the first-team right-back slot even when Kyle Walker returned from his extended summer break post-European Championships.

This season is expected to be a breakthrough campaign for the 19-year-old, who is showcasing an excellent ability to operate as a traditional right-back, and as an inverted option to compliment the defensive midfield.

Cancelo’s departure will also free-up the iconic number 7 shirt at Manchester City, recently occupied by the likes of Raheem Sterling and James Milner. However, it remains unknown as to whether any of the existing group of players will be issued with the shirt number.