According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo is being targeted by Real Madrid as they hope to get his signature by the next summer transfer window. It was also stated that the Spanish giants will be needing a quality fullback to replace the ageing Dani Carvajal and the Portuguese defender remains a potential option.
Cancelo’s Excellent Run Of Form At Manchester City
Cancelo has been an a key player for Guardiola in the defensive third as he has produced a lot of influential displays for the Sky Blues since his arrival at the club. He has managed to find the back of the net on one occasion and produced three assists over nine appearances this season, across all fronts.
The Barreiro-born sensation has been reliable and consistent in the backline after averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.9 dribbles and 0.9 key passes per game in the Premier League. He has also been accurate with his ball distribution after averaging 87.8% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Can Guardiola Afford To Lose Him?
Cancelo has been a solid player for the Etihad club as he can relentlessly go back and forth on both sides of the flank making some dangerous runs into the final third. He excels at holding onto the ball and efficiently distributing possession. Furthermore, he does not hesitate going into a tackle and makes some clever interceptions to win the ball back for his side.
The Portuguese wing-back usually makes inverted runs into the central areas to create opportunities for his teammates in front of the goal. At 28, he has already established himself as one of the best right-backs in Europe and he remains an essential player at the back for Pep Guardiola’s defensive department.
Guardiola will have a tough time finding a decent replacement for Cancelo, so it wouldn’t be wise of the Spanish tactician to sanction his exit. The Mancunian giants should offer him a contract extension and increase his wages in order to keep him at the Etihad club amid increasing interests from the European champions.
