The Joao Cancelo transfer saga has finally come to an end, with Manchester City agreeing a £21.2m deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal to sell the Portugal defender. The move marks the end of Cancelo’s five-year stay at Etihad Stadium, where he had become a key player under manager Pep Guardiola. However, a disagreement between the two led to Cancelo spending time on loan with Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months, and it seems that the relationship has become irreparable.
Cancelo’s time at Manchester City was marked by highs and lows. Initially, he became Guardiola’s first inverted full-back, a position that allowed him to showcase his attacking prowess. However, he lost his place in the team just months after signing a new contract in 2022. Despite this, Cancelo remained a fan favorite, known for his attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The move to Al-Hilal is expected to be a lucrative one for Cancelo, with reports suggesting that he will sign a three-year contract worth millions. However, the transfer is not without its risks. Cancelo will be leaving behind the comforts of European football and joining a league that is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, the prospect of playing in a new and exciting league may be just what Cancelo needs to reignite his career.
The Rise and Fall of Joao Cancelo at Manchester City
Joao Cancelo’s transfer to Manchester City in 2019 was seen as a major coup for the club. The Portugal defender had established himself as one of the top full-backs in the world, known for his attacking flair and defensive solidity. However, his time at the club was marked by inconsistency and controversy.
Initially, Cancelo was a regular starter for Manchester City, playing in a variety of positions across the back four. However, as the season wore on, he began to struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League. He was often criticized for his defensive lapses, which led to goals being conceded.
Despite this, Cancelo remained a fan favorite, known for his attacking flair and set-piece expertise. He was often called upon to provide width and delivery from the flank, and his crossing ability was second to none. However, his defensive struggles continued to plague him, and he eventually lost his place in the team.
The Disagreement with Pep Guardiola
The disagreement between Joao Cancelo and Pep Guardiola was a major factor in the Portugal defender’s decline at Manchester City. The two had a falling out in 2022, which led to Cancelo being left out of the team. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, the relationship between the two remained strained.
The disagreement was reportedly over Cancelo’s defensive responsibilities. Guardiola had asked Cancelo to focus more on his defensive duties, but the Portugal defender was reluctant to do so. He felt that his attacking flair was being stifled, and that he was not being allowed to play to his strengths.
The Loan Spells with Bayern Munich and Barcelona
In an attempt to resolve the issue, Manchester City sent Joao Cancelo on loan to Bayern Munich and Barcelona. The move was seen as a way of giving Cancelo a fresh start, and allowing him to regain his form.
However, the loan spells were not without their challenges. Cancelo struggled to establish himself at Bayern Munich, and was often left out of the team. He fared better at Barcelona, but the club’s financial struggles meant that they were unable to sign him on a permanent basis.
The Future of Joao Cancelo
The transfer to Al-Hilal marks a new chapter in the career of Joao Cancelo. The Portugal defender will be joining a league that is still in its infancy, but one that is rapidly growing in popularity.
The move is expected to be a lucrative one for Cancelo, with reports suggesting that he will sign a three-year contract worth millions. However, the transfer is not without its risks. Cancelo will be leaving behind the comforts of European football, and joining a league that is still finding its feet.
Despite this, the prospect of playing in a new and exciting league may be just what Cancelo needs to reignite his career. He will be joining a team that is eager to establish itself as a major force in Saudi Arabian football, and he will be expected to play a key role in their success.
The Impact of the Transfer on Manchester City
The transfer of Joao Cancelo to Al-Hilal is expected to have a significant impact on Manchester City. The club will be losing a player who has been a regular starter for the past five years, and one who has played a key role in their success.
However, the transfer is also seen as an opportunity for Manchester City to rebuild and refresh their squad. The club has been linked with a number of top defenders, and the transfer of Cancelo may pave the way for a new signing.
The Legacy of Joao Cancelo at Manchester City
Joao Cancelo’s time at Manchester City was marked by highs and lows. However, despite his struggles, he remains a fan favorite, known for his attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Cancelo’s legacy at Manchester City will be remembered for years to come. He was a key player in the club’s success, and his set-piece expertise was second to none. Despite his struggles, he remained a loyal servant to the club, and his dedication and commitment will be remembered fondly by the fans.
As Cancelo begins a new chapter in his career, he will be remembered as one of the top defenders in Manchester City’s history. His transfer to Al-Hilal may mark the end of an era, but it also paves the way for a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history.