Portugal's Joao Cancelo, who has a proven track record of success with Manchester City and Juventus, has made the move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old defender spent last season on loan at Barcelona and has represented his country over 50 times. Despite his success on the club level, Cancelo has yet to win a major international tournament with Portugal.
João Cancelo Makes Historic Move to Al Hilal
Portuguese international João Cancelo has made a surprising transfer from Manchester City to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. The move marks a significant moment for Gulf football and signals a changing landscape in the global game.
Background
Cancelo, 30, has established himself as one of the world's top defenders during his career. He won four Premier League titles with Manchester City and also had successful spells at Juventus and Valencia. He has also represented Portugal over 50 times.
In January 2023, Cancelo joined Barcelona on loan, where he played a key role in the club's resurgence under Xavi. However, he returned to Manchester City at the end of the season.
Al Hilal Move
On August 22, 2023, Al Hilal announced the signing of Cancelo on a two-year contract. The deal is believed to be worth around €30 million, making Cancelo one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia.
The move is a significant coup for Al Hilal, who are aiming to win their fourth consecutive Saudi Pro League title and challenge for the AFC Champions League. It also marks a new era for Saudi football, which has been attracting increasing investment in recent years.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Cancelo leave Manchester City?
The exact reasons for Cancelo's departure are unclear, but reports suggest that there was a falling out with manager Pep Guardiola.
2. Is Al Hilal a wealthy club?
Yes, Al Hilal is one of the richest clubs in Saudi Arabia. It is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which has been investing heavily in the club in recent years.
3. How does Cancelo's move impact Portugal's national team?
Cancelo is a key player for Portugal, and his move to Saudi Arabia could potentially affect his chances of playing for the national team. However, he has already stated that he is still committed to representing his country.
4. What are Al Hilal's ambitions with Cancelo?
Al Hilal are aiming to win their fourth consecutive Saudi Pro League title and challenge for the AFC Champions League. They believe that Cancelo's experience and quality will help them achieve these goals.
5. Will we see more top players moving to the Middle East?
It is possible that we will see more top players making similar moves to the Middle East in the future. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are investing heavily in football, and could offer lucrative contracts to attract players who are no longer at the peak of their powers in Europe.
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