TRANSFER MARKET

Why is Joao Cancelo leaving Manchester City to join Bayern Munich?

The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola and now could be about to make a last-minute switch to Bayern.

MOLLY DARLINGTONREUTERS

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo looks set to join Bayern Munich on loan before the end of the January transfer window, according to The Athletic.

The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour under head coach Pep Guardiola, but up until recently, the Portugal international was a key part of City’s starting eleven and could now be about to leave the reigning Premier League champions.

Cancelo was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in the last two seasons, helping Guardiola’s team win the Premier League.

What has happened to Cancelo at City?

Guardiola has changed his backline at the Etihad, placing confidence and faith in 18-year-old Bury-born defender Rico Lewis.

Fellow defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones and Kyle Walker have all been selected ahead of Cancelo at full-back in City’s recent fixtures.

Cancelo’s representatives reportedly brought the interest from Bayern to City and, given the performances of Ake and Lewis at full-back, the Manchester club have been willing to accept the loan move.

With less than 48 hours to go in the transfer window, Cancelo has landed in Munich to undergo a medical and if the transfer takes place before the deadline, he could play for Bayern in the German Cup against Mainz on Wednesday.

The attacking full-back’s contract at City runs until 2027 and his move to Germany includes a €70m buy option for the Bundesliga club.

When does the January transfer window close?

The January transfer window closes at 6pm ET, 3pm PST on Tuesday 31 January.

Most viewed

More news