According to a report from The Sun, Manchester City right-back Joao Cancelo has been loaned to Bayern Munich for the remainder of this season which comes as a shock just before deadline day. It is understood that the German giants have signed the Portuguese full-back on a temporary deal now with an option to buy later.
Cancelo’s Impressive Numbers For Manchester City So Far This Season
Cancelo has been 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 two occasions and produced four assists over twenty-three appearances so far this season, across all fronts.
The Barreiro-born sensation has been reliable and consistent in the backline after averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 shots, 1.0 shots, 1.6 dribbles and 0.7 key passes per game in the Premier League.
He has also been accurate with his ball distribution after averaging 86.8% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Bayern have completed the agreement to sign João Cancelo, here we go! Deal set to be completed on loan plus €70m buy option clause 🚨🔴 #FCBayern
Cancelo told Pep Guardiola that he wanted to leave.
Medical tests later tonight.
Boarding completed – Munich ✈️ @TurkishAirlines pic.twitter.com/TiQMyMWhwq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2023
Does Cancelo’s Exit Create A Problem In The Defensive Department?
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 to go 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 was an essential player at the back for Pep Guardiola’s defensive department.
Guardiola could ask John Stones and Kyle Walker to cover for the right-back position while Nathan Ake features on the left flank with Sergio Gomez providing cover occasionally but these are temporary fixes and it would be difficult for the Spanish tactician to bring in a decent replacement with the transfer deadline day closing today. However, the Mancunian giants will have to find a way to keep the momentum going as they remain five points behind league leaders Arsenal in their race for the Premier League title.
