REPORT: Saudi champions agree deal for top Barcelona target

Joao Cancelo suring his time on loan with Barcelona | Imago

REPORT: Saudi champions agree deal for top Barcelona target

Ayoola Kelechi 13:28 - 24.08.2024

Barcelona are set to lose out on one of their top transfer targets this summer who is reportedly close to a move to Saudi Arabia

Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo is reportedly on the verge of joining Al-Hilal after the Cityzens agreed a deal to sell the Portuguese full-back to the Saudi Pro League champions.

Cancelo still desperae for Barcelona move

Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, remains keen on returning to Spain on a permanent transfer.

El Clasico 2024
Joao Cancelo in Barcelona's El Clasico loss to Real Madrid (Imago/Goal Sports Images) Joao Cancelo had a mare in Barcelona's El Clasico loss to Real Madrid (Imago/Goal Sports Images)

However, Barcelona's ongoing financial difficulties mean that a move for the Manchester City defender is not a priority for the La Liga giants, who are more interested in signing a left winger before the transfer market closes.

Despite his desire to return to Catalonia, Cancelo has found himself inching closer to a switch to Saudi Arabia rather than a move within Europe, with Manchester City allegedly already accepting a deal from Al Hilal.

Al Hilal offer lucrative offer to end Barcelona pursuit

According to French publication Sports Zone, Al-Hilal has reportedly offered Cancelo a lucrative contract worth $18 million per year, hoping to convince the Portuguese star to forget about his Barcelona dream.

Joao Cancelo celebrates his goal for Barcelona against Porto || Image credit: imago

The financial package on offer in Saudi Arabia is far more attractive than what Barcelona could provide, but Cancelo has still hesitated to enter concrete talks with Al Hilal as he hopes to stay in Europe, hopefully with the Catalans.

Al-Hilal, eager to bolster their squad with more top European talent, ahead of their title defence have successfully negotiated a deal with Manchester City for the versatile full-back, but it remains to be seen if Cancelo will choose the move to the Gulf with the transfer window close to shutting down.

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