Al Hilal has officially completed the signing of Manchester City defender João Cancelo on a permanent transfer, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday. The Saudi Pro League team secured Cancelo after learning that fellow City defender Kyle Walker was not available for transfer.
Cancelo's move to Al Hilal comes with a significant financial agreement, valued at an initial £21 million ($28m). The 30-year-old is set to earn an annual salary of £15 million as part of the deal.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, Cancelo expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans, stating, 'I had many very special moments during my time here at [Man City].' The Portugal international had been with City for over 18 months, during which he also had loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Having played more than 150 games for Manchester City and securing three Premier League titles, Cancelo leaves behind a notable legacy at the club. His departure marks a new chapter in his career as he embarks on this fresh opportunity with Al Hilal.
This transfer news has garnered attention from football enthusiasts worldwide, with fans eagerly anticipating Cancelo's performance in the Saudi Pro League. The move signifies a significant development in the football landscape, showcasing the global nature of player transfers and the evolving dynamics of the sport.
As Cancelo bids farewell to Manchester City, his journey continues with Al Hilal, where he aims to make a lasting impact and contribute to the team's success. The football community eagerly awaits his debut in Saudi Arabia, as he brings his talent and experience to a new environment.
With insights from ESPN's Rob Dawson, this report highlights the latest transfer activity in the football world, shedding light on the strategic moves made by clubs to strengthen their squads and pursue success in various competitions.
