Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen to see Joao Cancelo depart this summer, after the Portuguese defender attracts interest from Saudi Arabia.
Joao Cancelo’s future in Manchester appears to be all-but-over following recent reports, as Guardiola looks to sell the once starting full-back.
The former Juventus player has made 154 appearances for the blue side of Manchester, winning three Premier League titles and two Carabao Cups.
However, despite picking up a Champions League and FA Cup winners medal last season, the Portuguese international was not part of the squad, as he signed for Bayern Munich on loan in January.
The 29-year-old had allegedly fallen out with the Manchester City manager, despite being one of City’s key players in their title-winning campaign in 2021-22. Meaning a move away from the club was required and a return next season looks doubtful.
Cancelo’s form in Germany was not enough to earn a permanent move to Munich and is now being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
🚨 Pep Guardiola does not want João Cancelo in his Man City squad for next season, but at the moment there are no alternatives for the Portuguese full-back.
Saudi clubs have been approached by his agent Jorge Mendes but have rejected him.
(Source: @TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/nOUEVgBdqz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 24, 2023
As Saudi Arabia prepare to bid for a future World Cup, the nation have welcomed an abundance of top talent in hopes of strengthening their chances.
A host of Europe’s best players have moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, after Cristiano Ronaldo paved the way in January as he signed for Al-Nassr from Manchester United.
Current Balon D’Or winner, Karim Benzema, ended his long spell at Real Madrid and joined Al-Ittihad – in a deal that is set to earn the Frenchman £100m a year.
The latest player to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia is Kylian Mbappe, as PSG have accepted a £250m bid for the French superstar – in a deal that would earn the youngster £650m a year.
However, a move to the emerging nation appears unlikely for the City defender, as his agent has declined a host of offers.
With four-years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad, Cancelo could cost up to £50m – a fee that European sides may be unwilling to pay.
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