After falling out of favour in Manchester City, Joao Cancelo is set to make a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal reportedly close to signing the defender. Cancelo's medicals are scheduled for Friday, and the deal is expected to cost Al-Hilal a staggering €38 million. According to The Guardian, the Saudi club is also eyeing Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong to bolster their defence.
João Cancelo's Move to Al Hilal: A Surprising Transfer Saga
João Cancelo's impending departure from Manchester City to Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League has sent shockwaves through the football world. Here is a closer look at the background and implications of this surprising move:
Background
Cancelo, a 28-year-old Portuguese international, joined Manchester City from Juventus in 2019. He quickly became a key player for Pep Guardiola's side, establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in the world. However, his relationship with Guardiola reportedly deteriorated in recent months, leading to speculation about his future.
Move to Al Hilal
According to reports, Al Hilal is close to signing Cancelo for a fee of around €38 million. The Saudi club is said to be eager to improve its squad following its recent successes in the Asian Champions League. Cancelo's medicals are reportedly scheduled for Friday, and the deal is expected to be completed shortly after.
Implications
Cancelo's move to Al Hilal is a significant departure from the European football landscape. It raises questions about the future of top players in the face of lucrative offers from clubs in emerging football markets. For Manchester City, it represents a blow to their squad depth and could force them to re-evaluate their defensive options.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why did Cancelo leave Manchester City? According to reports, Cancelo fell out of favor with manager Pep Guardiola, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
2. Why did Al Hilal sign Cancelo? Al Hilal is looking to strengthen its defense and improve its chances of success in the Asian Champions League and other competitions.
3. How much did Al Hilal pay for Cancelo? The reported fee is around €38 million.
4. What is the length of Cancelo's contract with Al Hilal? The details of his contract have not been disclosed publicly.
5. What are the implications of Cancelo's move for the future of football? Cancelo's move suggests that top players may increasingly consider offers from clubs in emerging football markets, especially if they are willing to offer competitive salaries and ambitious projects.
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