European giants reject chance to sign Man City star in major twist; Chelsea given chance to swoop in
Erling Haaland, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva celebrate Man City goal against Man Utd
Bayern Munich will turn down the chance to sign Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo permanently this summer, according to reports.
The Portugal international joined the German giants on loan in January in a shock move, as he looked for more regular playing time. However, he has struggled for consistent minutes in the Bundesliga.
Indeed, Cancelo’s Bayern career got off to a good start, but he has since fallen down the pecking order and is expected to be on the bench for their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Italian source CalcioMercato, Julian Nagelsmann’s side are unlikely to trigger the £62m buy-out clause in Cancelo’s loan deal, given he has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular.
The report also adds that both Chelsea and Real Madrid are tracking the 28-year-old’s situation ahead of a potential approach this summer.
When he left the Etihad late in the January window, Pep Guardiola said: “He left because he always wants to play all the games.
“I wish him to do it in Germany for the next four months and then I don’t know what will happen next season.”
Bayern reject Cancelo, opening the door for Chelsea
The decision from Bayern not to sign Cancelo permanently still comes as quite a shock, as he is a world-class player when playing on top form.
The dynamic full-back recorded two assists against Mainz on his debut, and then against Wolfsburg in the following game.
However, after the Bundesliga champions lost to Borussia Monchengladbach, Cancelo has remained on the bench ever since.
According to CalcioMercato’s report, Nagelsmann sees him as a ‘typical’ full-back, and not as suited to Bayern as Josip Stanisic, who is the manager’s preferred right-back at the moment.
Guardiola’s decision to let the Portuguese maestro leave the Etihad in the first place was quite a shock too, as he has been a top performer for the Cityzens since signing for them in 2019.
Overall, in 154 appearances for Man City, he scored nine goals and made 22 assists. Cancelo has also played a big role in their recent success, helping the club to two Premier League titles and one League Cup victory in 2021.
Now, the door has been opened for their English rivals Chelsea to seal a sensational switch for the Portugal international.
Todd Boehly has spent big on recruits this season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise t see the American billionaire do the same this summer.
Cancelo arguably has the pace, vision, skill and winning mentality to help Chelsea compete among Europe’s elite once again, so it will be interesting if they do make a concrete offer for the defender this summer.
As mentioned, though, Real Madrid are also interested, so the Blues could potentially have to enter into a bidding war for Cancelo.
