Transfer fee, additional clauses, first reactions: Joao Cancelo signs for Al Hilal from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

The 30-year-old has ended a turbulent stay at the Etihad Stadium, completing a permanent move to the Middle East following back-to-back loans spells away from Manchester City at both Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona.

Cancelo has made 154 appearances for Manchester City since arriving in 2019 from Juventus, but hasn’t featured for the Sky Blues since a 1-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in January 2023.

The Portugal international has been training with the first-team in recent weeks at the City Football Academy, and has enjoyed silverware success with the Sky Blues, winning three Premier League titles and two League Cups.

Cancelo made his Manchester City debut against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in August 2019, and scored nine goals during his time in east Manchester.

The 30-year-old moved to Bayern Munich on a short-term loan following a training ground bust-up, and spent the previous 2023/24 campaign in La Liga with Barcelona.

After Al Hilal confirmed the signing of the 30-year-old from Manchester City, here is everything you need to know about Joao Cancelo’s permanent switch to Saudi Arabia.

What are the terms of the Joao Cancelo transfer to Al Hilal from Manchester City?

Joao Cancelo has joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a £21 million deal with no add-ons or clauses involved.

The Portuguese international has penned a three-year deal with the Middle-East club.

What have Manchester City said about the transfer?

Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain has said, “I would like to thank Joao for his contribution during a remarkable period at City.

“He made a big impact in title-winning campaigns and was a huge influence on the pitch. I would also like to give him my best wishes for the future and the rest of his career.”

What has Joao Cancelo said about the transfer?

Joao Cancelo told Manchester City’s official club website, “I would like to wish everyone at City continued success in the future.

“I had many very special moments during my time here at this great Club. I would like to thank my team-mates, the coaches, all the staff at City and the fans for everything during my time here.”

How have Al Hilal reacted to the deal?

TBC

We wish Joao Cancelo all the very best on his move to Al Hilal!