In a shocking turn of events, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City to sign Portuguese full-back João Cancelo on a permanent transfer for a fee of €25 million.
According to sources, the deal is now contingent on Cancelo’s decision, with Al Hilal presenting a lucrative contract offer worth €15 million in net salary per season. The 29-year-old defender has been linked with a return to Barcelona, but the formal proposal from Al Hilal has thrown a spanner in the works.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s right-back Saud Abdulhamid has departed the club to join Italian side AS Roma in a €3 million package deal, with the medical examination scheduled for today.
The development comes as a surprise, given Cancelo’s established position in Manchester City’s squad. However, the prospect of a significant salary increase and the opportunity to play in the Saudi Pro League may tempt the Portuguese international to make the switch.
As the transfer saga unfolds, all eyes are on Cancelo’s next move. Will he opt for the lucrative offer from Al Hilal or hold out for a return to Barcelona? Only time will tell.
