Shortly before the end of the transfer period, FC Bayern struck again: The record champions are loaning João Cancelo from Manchester City. The 28-year-old Portuguese is considered one of the best full-backs in the world.
Cancelo, who has been in Munich since Monday, first published a video and said goodbye to the Manchester City fans with the words “Once a Cityzen, always a Cityzen. Thank you”. Shortly thereafter, the record champions also confirmed the last-minute winter transfer.
FC Bayern initially loaned the Portuguese until the end of the season – according to media reports, however, the record champions are said to have negotiated a purchase option for the 28-year-old. This should be around 70 million euros.
“João is one of the players we’ve been thinking about for a while because we value his qualities,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. “With his attacking style of play and his dynamism, he fits perfectly into our system and with his mentality and experience he also fits in very well with our team.”
No more chance with Guardiola
The 41-time Portuguese international was said to have been at the top of coach Julian Nagelsmann’s wish list last year. But then a change was unimaginable – Cancelo was too important for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. But after the World Cup in Qatar, Cancelo was no longer in the starting XI – disputes with Guardiola were reported. That would also explain why the change came about at such short notice.
In addition to FC Bayern, FC Barcelona was also very interested in the right-back. But unlike Munich, the Catalans have already been eliminated in the Champions League.
Cancelo can go left or right
Cancelo has a lot of international experience – having played for the big clubs in Europe. Cancelo joined Citizens from Juventus in 2019 for an estimated €65m and became champions with the club in 2021 and 2022. The 28-year-old is considered one of the most in-form full-backs.
Cancelo is a trained right-back but can also play on the left. The defensive all-rounder is valued above all for his offensive style of play – his precise crosses are feared. He often moves into the center and is involved in the build-up of the game. In 154 competitive games for England, he scored nine times and contributed 22 assists.
Can the Portuguese close Bayen’s defensive gap?
And what are Bayern going to do with him? Of course, the record champions still need to improve their defense. On the right side, Noussair Mazraoui will be out for some time due to a pericarditis – and will be sorely missed by the record champions. The Moroccan even showed playmaker qualities recently and provided accents at the opening of the game.
The other right-backs have recently lacked these accents: Benjamin Pavard has been looking for form since the World Cup. In the recent 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman, who is said to be flirting with a move to FC Barcelona, was only on the bench. Josip Stanisic played for him but couldn’t convince. On the left, the Portuguese could replace Lucas Hernández, who will be out for a long time after a cruciate ligament rupture.
“Here is Bavaria”: The BR24 newsletter informs you about the most important things of the day at a glance, Monday to Friday after work – compact and directly in your private mailbox. Register here!
Source: BR24
01/31/2023 – 6:30 p.m
