It had been widely expected that Joao Cancelo would return to Barcelona this summer, but with eight days left in the transfer window, it is looking increasingly unlikely.
The Manchester City full-back had been rejecting all advances for him in hope of a return to Catalonia, something he voiced a desire for. Equally, Barcelona had publicly declared their intentions to re-sign Cancelo.
Barcelona target Cancelo is getting closer to a move to Saudi Arabia. @Glongari
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 22, 2024
Yet this week the player profiles of Joao Felix and Cancelo, which curiously had been maintained after their loan deals expired, were deleted from Barcelona’s website. Felix has signed for Chelsea, and now Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are in talks with City and Cancelo’s agents – they have already submitted a formal offer for the 30-year-old.
🚨🔵 Al Hilal have submitted formal bid to sign João Cancelo as negotiations are underway with Man City and player’s camp.
He’s the first choice for Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus.
In case of Cancelo’s arrival, Al Hilal RB Saud Abdulhamid could join AS Roma as talks took place. pic.twitter.com/pMyjo1cl7X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2024
Meanwhile City Report say an agreement has already been found, and Manchester City will make €41m on the Portuguese international.
𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: Al Hilal and #ManCity have reached an AGREEMENT for the sale of Joao Cancelo in excess of €35m. 💣‼️ pic.twitter.com/n8KtUhknPp
— City Report (@cityreport_) August 22, 2024
Presumably this has happened because Cancelo is now open to a move to the Middle East. The most recent reporting from Barcelona is that they have almost discarded the idea of signing Cancelo again, due in part to concerns about his attitude. Equally, his large salary and shaky performances, as Barcelona struggle to register players, are understandably not a priority. If that is the case, this latest development would fit as a logical development.