City Loan of Cancelo to Bayern Boosts Confidence in Lewis
In an unexpected turn of events at Manchester City, Joao Cancelo is set to join Bayern Munich on loan.
Cancelo was reportedly being courted by several European clubs earlier this month after falling out of favor with Pep Guardiola at City.
However, news of Guardiola’s willingness to let the Portugal full-back join Bayern Munich, a Champions League rival, on loan in mid-season will come as a surprise to many City fans.
According to reports, Bayern Munich will have the option to buy Cancelo for €70 million (£61.6 million) at the end of the season.
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Cancelo, 28, only signed a new contract with City a year ago, tying him to the club until June 2027, and was named to the PFA team of the year as the Premier League’s best left-back last season.
However, in a dramatic drop down the pecking order, the Portuguese has started just three of City’s last ten games across all competitions.
According to City sources, with the emergence of teenager Rico Lewis at right back and five center-halves on the club’s books – three of whom, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake, can operate at full-back – they believe they have adequate cover.
With Cancelo’s expected departure, Kyle Walker will be City’s only established senior full-back, alongside highly-rated 18-year-old Lewis, who has only four Premier League starts to his name, and Sergio Gomez, who is a squad player.
Guardiola’s willingness to loan out Cancelo is a huge vote of confidence in Lewis, who has impressed since coming into the side, as well as a concerted effort to give academy graduates more playing time.
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According to City insiders, with the team’s shape and formation changing this season, Cancelo’s game time is likely to be even more limited.
Lewis has been playing a more advanced midfield role from right back this season, which has influenced Guardiola’s use of his left back.
Cancelo is thought to have expressed a desire for more regular football and is dissatisfied with his current playing time, leaving both parties open to the player leaving on loan this month.
Guardiola hopes that City can finally end their Champions League drought this season, but Bayern is one of their main obstacles.
In the Round of 16, City will face RB Leipzig, while Bayern will face Paris Saint-Germain.
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