According to a recent report by Manchester Evening News, Manchester City’s pursuit of Juventus defensive ace Joao Cancelo is still on and could include a swap deal with Danilo heading in the other direction. The same source has also claimed that Danilo has held discussions with Juve on whether he could be part of their squad in the upcoming campaign, but nothing has been finalised yet.
Why A Potential Cancelo-Danilo Swap Deal Makes Sense For The Citizens
The Portuguese full-back has a lot of experience in European football and will bring some calmness and extra defensive protection to Pep Guardiola’s backline. He knows what it’s like to taste success at the highest level, having won multiple trophies during his carer.
Man City have Kyle Walker playing in the right-back position, but he has often looked vulnerable in defence. The English talent’s disappointing performance in both legs versus Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals last season should serve as proof that he needs more competition to raise his game in the coming years.
Danilo has failed to be an ideal back-up to Walker at the Etihad Stadium as he is an average defender inside his half. Therefore, it makes sense for the Citizens to arrange a swap deal involving the Brazilian defender moving to Turin for Cancelo this summer.
The former Liga NOS full-back enjoyed an outstanding season at the Allianz Stadium as he helped Juve win another Serie A title last season. He featured in 34 matches for the Turin heavyweights in the previous term, scoring one goal while creating eight assists on all fronts. The 14-time Portugal international was also in a rich vein of form defensively when he made an average of 1.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game in the top tier of Italy (stats via whoscored).
What Are Cancelo’s Strengths On The Pitch?
Cancelo has blistering pace, which allows him to make some darting runs down the right flank. He can also whip in some telling crosses in the attacking end of the pitch. The 25-year-old was quite productive going forward after averaging 2.4 dribbles and 1.0 key passes per match in the Serie A (stats via whoscored). He is a striker’s dream due to his creative skills in the opposition half.
Orchestrating A Danilo-Cancelo Swap Deal: Good Move For Man City?
Bringing in Cancelo for Danilo will undeniably be a massive coup for Pep Guardiola if he can find a way to pull off the deal before next week’s transfer deadline. The Portuguese defensive ace will significantly bolster Guardiola’s defensive options at the Etihad. He could even help them retain the Premier League title next season.
