Surprise before the deadline day: According to media reports, FC Bayern Munich, which has recently been weakening, has signed the Portuguese national defender João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. The people of Munich apparently also have a purchase option for the 28-year-old.
Troubled FC Bayern Munich is reacting to its earnings crisis after the World Cup winter break and is likely to hit the transfer market again. The record champions are apparently on the verge of surprisingly signing Portuguese international Joao Cancelo from English champions Manchester City. The 28-year-old will initially be loaned out, but Bayern will have an option to buy. Several media report this in unison, the portal "The Athletic" reported the deal first. According to the British news agency PA, the purchase option is said to be worth 61.5 million pounds (70.1 million euros).
Cancelo is a trained right-back. The Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui is missing the Bavarian position indefinitely because of a myocarditis. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is not completely convinced of Benjamin Pavard as a replacement, especially since the French international is openly toying with a farewell. In the 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt, the young Croatian Josip Stanisic started at right back.
Added to this is the serious World Cup injury to Frenchman Lucas Hernández (torn cruciate ligament), which once again significantly aggravated the need in Bayern's defence. Bayern had already signed a replacement for him and signed Dutchman Daley Blind without a contract.
Cancelo has scored seven goals in 41 caps for Portugal. For City, where he has a contract until 2027, he has made 154 competitive appearances (nine goals, 22 assists) since moving from Juventus to the island in 2019 for €65m. Before his time at Juventus, the World Cup participant was active for FC Valencia, Inter Milan and Benfica Lisbon. However, the 28-year-old has had a difficult time under coach Pep Guardiola in recent weeks. He hasn't been used in the last few games, after having been one of the regulars until the World Cup break.
