According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Joao Cancelo still has a future at Manchester City, despite his high-profile loan departure last season. The Portuguese defender fell out of favour with the club and was loaned to Bayern Munich at the end of the January transfer window as he struggled to adjust to his new role. Reports of a falling out between Cancelo and manager Pep Guardiola were downplayed by both parties, and the door was left open for his potential return to the Etihad Stadium.
During his absence, Manchester City went on to achieve a treble without relying on full-backs in their system towards the end of the season. However, Bayern Munich decided not to pursue a permanent deal for Cancelo in the recent developments, and he has now rejoined the Sky Blues for pre-season training, with uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Pep Guardiola On The Future Of Cancelo
Addressing the issue ahead of City’s first pre-season game against Yokohama F Marinoa, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Joao Cancelo remains part of his plans. While Guardiola indicated that the door for Cancelo’s reintegration into the City squad had been reopened, he also acknowledged the possibility of the player’s departure, as no final decision has been made yet.
“He is here. Joao has been so important for us in the past,” Guardiola said. “He is back here and is part of the group. We will see what happens.”
Speculations on his exit have intensified over the past few weeks, although no official offer has been made for the Portuguese international yet. He is under contract at the Etihad Club until the summer of 2027, so the Sky Blues have no immediate need to sell him this summer.
Will He Remain At Manchester City For the Following Season?
Cancelo is a resilient full-back known for his tough tackling skills and quick ability to read the game, allowing him to make timely interceptions for his team when he exudes confidence on the field. As a Portugal international, he possesses excellent vision, enabling him to create promising chances for his teammates from the right flank. Moreover, Cancelo also showcases decent dribbling abilities, adding to his versatility and effectiveness with the ball.
He would undoubtedly be a brilliant addition to any potential suitor, and Arsenal have been touted with a move for the Portuguese sensation, but they’ve remained surprisingly quiet about it. Barcelona was another club linked to the defender, but they have their own financial troubles.
Should a club make a fair offer for Cancelo, the Sky Blues remain inclined to go through with it. Guardiola has shifted his tactics at the end of the season with a three-man backline, and they have proven to be effective, implying that Cancelo isn’t needed at the Etihad Stadium. Hence, his only viable option would be to look for regular playtime elsewhere, even though he could fight for a regular spot remaining with the Sky Blues.
