Despite Barca’s wish to return Joao Cancelo to its ranks, it will only remain that – an empty wish. Just like in the case of Joao Felix, the Catalans failed to bring back their former player, and Cancelo will continue his career at Al Hilal. Some sources from England claim the deal is already sealed, while some assert that Man City and the Saudi champions are close to agreeing. All in all, the transfer is allegedly worth 35 million euros.Joao Cancelo is close to join Al Hilal on an 3 year contract, last details being discussed with Manchester City.Abdulhamid Saud is expected to leave Al Hilal, talks ongoing with AS Roma. pic.twitter.com/bumptcrdjX— Haitam el Imani (@haitamelimaniEN) August 22, 2024 The Cityzens’ decision to sell the 30-year-old spoiled Barcelona’s plan of bringing Cancelo back, but, to quote a famous saying, One man’s loss is another man’s gain. In this case, Roma’s gain. Namely, the Giallorossi, this way, got the green light to complete the transfer of Al Hilal’s right back Saud Abdulhamid since the 25-year-old would hardly get enough playing time when Cancelo is there.The Portuguese, who can play both as a defender and a winger, is Benfica’s child but played only one season for the Eagles’ first team, making only two appearances. In 2015, he moved to Valencia and spent two seasons in Spain and one on loan at Inter Milan. His performance with the Nerrazzuri recommended him to Juventus which bought him for 40 million euros in 2018.75 million for Dybala but only three for RomaAfter a season with Bianconeri, Cancelo joined Manchester City in a transfer worth 65 million euros, becoming the most expensive right-back ever, and signed a six-year deal with the Cityzens. However, due to spoiled relationship with Pep Guardiola, he spent the previous two seasons on loans at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Considering that Cancelo was still under a contract with Man City, Al Hilal had to break the bank to bring him.As for Abdulhamid, he made 51 appearances last season, recording four goals and nine assists. The 25-year-old is a Saudi international, and this spell with Roma will be his first one outside his homeland. Hence, the period of adaptation is undoubtedly ahead of him.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284085##
