According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Manchester City are close to agreeing on a fee for Juventus right-back Joao Cancelo ahead of a potential move before next week’s transfer deadline. The same source has also revealed that there has been a breakthrough in negotiations between the two clubs and they are now close to coming to an agreement with only eight days remaining in the English transfer window.
Does Pep Guardiola Need A New Full-Back For The Upcoming Campaign?
Cancelo is vastly experienced in European football and will add a lot of maturity to the Man City backline. The Portuguese defensive ace knows what it takes to win trophies and could help the Citizens in their quest to win the UEFA Champions League in the coming years. Kyle Walker has often come up short during the high-profile matches as evidenced by his dismal displays in both legs against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League quarterfinals last season.
Danilo has also struggled to put in a consistent run of performances at the Etihad Stadium. Therefore, Man City should consider bringing in a new full-back to feature in their first-team next season. Cancelo enjoyed a brilliant season at the Allianz Stadium as he steered Juve to another Serie A title in the previous campaign.
The ex-Liga NOS youngster played in 34 matches for the Italian giants in the last term, scoring once while grabbing eight assists across all competitions.
On the defensive end, the European right-back managed to prove himself last season when he made an average of 1.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Portuguese Talent’s Best Attributes?
Cancelo is very quick and is capable of making some penetrative dribbles down the right-wing. He can also deliver some decisive crosses in the offensive end of the field. The 25-year-old was in sensational form going forward in the previous campaign when he averaged 2.4 dribbles and 1.0 key passes per game in the Serie A (stats via whoscored). He is a centre-forward’s dream due to his ability to create opportunities for others around him in the final third.
Will Recruiting Cancelo Be A Good Move For The Citizens?
The 14-time Portugal international will be a significant upgrade over Walker and Danilo as he is a superior defender inside his own half. Hence, it could prove to be a decent acquisition for Guardiola if he can find a way to get the deal done for Cancelo before the start of the new season.
