EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd consider summer move for Joao Cancelo

Steve Kay

• 17 Feb 2025 12:00 CST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Manchester United are interested in signing Al-Hilal defender Joao Cancelo during the upcoming summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has been told.

The Portugal international left Manchester City to join Al-Hilal last summer, but he could be set to return to Europe in 2025 and we have been informed that Man Utd are eyeing a possible deal.

The Red Devils secured the services of Lecce star Patrick Dorgu in January, but they are eager to sign a new right wing-back later this year and Cancelo has emerged as a potential target.

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We understand that Ruben Amorim will have the final decision regarding a move for Cancelo this summer, with INEOS believing that he would be open to an Old Trafford switch.

The Portugal star spent five years at Man City, but he was sent on loan to Bayern Munich and Barcelona before leaving the club on a permanent deal for €25 million after a public dispute with Pep Guardiola.

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Joao Cancelo to join Man Utd?

Man Utd are actively pursuing a new right wing-back ahead of the summer window, with Amorim desperate for reinforcements, and Cancelo is one potential option being explored by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The former Man City defender has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Al-Hilal, however an exit may be on the cards in 2025 and Man Utd could step up their pursuit over the next few months.

The 30-year-old has scored two goals and provided 10 assists in 27 appearances for Al-Hilal, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped to €13m following his move to the Saudi Pro League.

Current ETV

João Cancelo

D (RL)

Al-Hilal

João Cancelo

D (RL)

Al-Hilal

€13M

ETV Range

€11.7M - €14.3M

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Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have shared duties as Man Utd’s right wing-back since the arrival of Amorim, although the Red Devils are eager to sign a new option during the 2025 summer window.

Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda has been linked with a move to Old Trafford too, but he is also capable of playing further forward as a winger.