Manchester City pull out of Pedro Neto race as Al-Hilal agree personal terms

Manchester City have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Chelsea winger Pedro Neto after being put off by the Blues’ €60-70million valuation, leaving Al-Hilal in a stronger position to complete a deal.

City had identified the Portugal international as a possible attacking addition for new manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Neto during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Al-Hilal have now moved ahead of City and are reported to have reached an agreement with the 27-year-old over personal terms.

According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Manchester City had been competing with Al-Hilal for Neto as both clubs considered changes to their attacking options.

Maresca knows the winger particularly well. Neto made 77 appearances under the Italian at Chelsea, scoring 15 goals and providing 17 assists.

A reunion at the Etihad Stadium had therefore emerged as a possibility, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Savinho’s future.

City have now decided not to proceed under the current conditions.

Chelsea are said to value Neto at between €60m and €70m, a price which has led Manchester City to withdraw from negotiations.

That decision has opened the door for Al-Hilal to take control of the race.

Al-Hilal have already made significant progress on the player’s side of the proposed transfer.

Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari reports that the Saudi club have reached an agreement with Neto over personal terms and are now attempting to finalise a deal with Chelsea.

The clubs remain in contact, although there is no suggestion yet that Chelsea have accepted an offer.

That distinction remains important. Neto may have agreed terms with Al-Hilal, but the transfer cannot progress without the Saudi club also satisfying Chelsea’s valuation.

The Premier League side's asking price has already proved enough to remove Manchester City from the immediate race.

Savinho could become an important part of how the situation develops.

The Brazilian’s Manchester City future is uncertain amid interest from Tottenham, where Roberto De Zerbi is looking to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer deadline.

Savinho has already held talks with De Zerbi over a potential move to north London, according to previous reports.

His departure would leave Manchester City with another attacking position to address and could potentially encourage them to reconsider Neto if Chelsea soften their demands.

There is also a connection at Al-Hilal.

Malcom faces uncertainty over his own future with the Saudi club, while Longari reports that Savinho is viewed as a strong alternative to Neto should Al-Hilal fail to reach an agreement with Chelsea.

It leaves Neto and Savinho at the centre of a transfer situation involving three clubs looking at their wide attacking options.

Manchester City’s withdrawal does not necessarily mean their interest has ended permanently.

Reports suggest the Premier League side will continue to follow Neto’s situation and could re-enter discussions if circumstances change.

For now, though, Al-Hilal have the advantage.

They have reached an agreement with the Portugal international and are attempting to close negotiations with Chelsea, while City have decided the current €60-70m asking price is too high.

Whether Chelsea are prepared to lower that valuation could determine if Al-Hilal complete the transfer or whether Manchester City are eventually tempted back into the race.