Joao Cancelo Confirmed as New Al Hilal Full Back as Saud Abdulhamid Joins AS Roma
The Saudi Pro League defending champions Al Hilal, who have been quiet all summer, confirmed the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. The Portuguese international who plays on both flanks has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League champions.
Cancelo, 30, spent last season on loan at Barcelona after a falling out with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. At Barcelona, he made 42 appearances in all competitions, scored three goals, and managed five assists. Prior to that, he spent the second part of the 2022-23 season at Bayern Munich, where he made 19 appearances, scored a solitary goal, and managed four assists.
Al Hilal have avoided making any signings this summer but started looking at fullbacks once it became clear that Saud Abdulhamid was leaving the club. Abdulhamid, 25, became the first player from Saudi Arabia to sign for a club in Europe’s top five leagues when he was confirmed as an AS Roma player. Cancelo will be confident that he can fit in Saud’s shoes at Al Hilal.
Defending Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal will be encouraged by Cancelo’s accolades. He won trophies at Juventus, Manchester City, and Bayern and played an integral role at Barcelona last season. Twice, he was named in the PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year when at Manchester City. His ability to play on both wings and contribute in attack with goals and assists make him a valuable addition to the team.
