Bayern Munich have this afternoon announced the signing of João Cancelo (28) on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season with a reported option to buy for around €70m.
“Bayern is a great club,” said Cancelo. “One of the best in the world and it’s enormous motivation for me to now play alongside these extraordinary players in a team. I know that this club, this team lives for titles and wins titles every year. I’m also driven by the hunger for success. I’ll give my best for Bayern.”
It was only January last year that Cancelo extended his contract at Manchester City until June 2027 but Bayern Munich moved quickly after learning of his availability. The Portuguese defender hasn’t been in the squad for three successive games whilst reports from England suggest a disagreement between Cancelo and Pep Guardiola.
Cancelo offers Julian Nagelsmann several options. He’ll now arguably be Bayern’s starting right-back ahead of Benjamin Pavard, who has considerable interest from Barcelona, but can also provide cover for Alphonso Davies on the opposite side. During his time at Manchester City, the Portugal international has also operated in midfield.
Both Pavard and Josip Stanisic lack playmaking abilities whilst summer arrival Noussair Mazraoui is sidelined for the foreseeable.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
