Bayern Munich’s sporting director has said they have not yet decided whether Joao Cancelo will stay beyond the end of the season.
Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern Munich’s sports director, has remarked on the future of loan star Joao Cancelo, who joined the club from Manchester City in January.
On transfer deadline day, Cancelo finalized his loan move to the Bundesliga club. The versatile fullback has one goal and four assists in 17 league games for the German club. Salihamidzic discussed the future of the Portuguese star in an interview with Bavarian news outlet Abendzeitung.
What did the Bayern director say?
According to Fabrizio Romano, the director said, “Cancelo is a top player, technically a pleasure for the eyes. We’re glad we have him. €70m buy option? We haven’t decided anything yet. We’ll do that after the end of the season.”
Bayern director Salihamidžić: "Cancelo is a top player, technically a pleasure for the eyes. We're glad we have him". 🔴 #FCBayern
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2023
"€70m buy option? We haven't decided anything yet. We'll do that after the end of the season", told @abendzeitung. pic.twitter.com/MzrZgNTOCg
Joao Cancelo is said to no longer return to Manchester City when his loan deal ends. The star was a pivotal part of City’s team but that ended when he reportedly argued with Pep Guardiola. The English club is now looking for possible suitors to part ways with the player.
The 28-year-old struggled to get a starting spot under Julian Nagelsmann but has now gotten more minutes under Thomas Tuchel. Bayern Munich has a €70 million option to buy Cancelo when his loan ends this summer, but they have publicly said that this price is too high.
Possible new clubs for Joao Cancelo
The Bundesliga giants are still keen to keep him, with either an extension of the loan deal or a lower transfer price. But that may not be easy, as other clubs also want the talented player.
Both Barcelona and Arsenal are highly interested in the player. While Barcelona doesn’t have the finances to buy the superstar right now, they are thinking of a loan deal and then an option to buy.
🚨 Arsenal join race to sign Joao Cancelo.
— afcsphere (@afcsphere) May 11, 2023
🗣️90Min claims that after the loan spell ends, Cancelo will be in the market and the current clubs that are interested are B.Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal.
🗣️ This probably won’t come as a surprise as Mikel Arteta has had previous… pic.twitter.com/KPgTI8SjTn
Arsenal is also interested in Cancelo. Mikel Arteta had worked with the player at Manchester City. The Spaniard feels he would fit in well with the Gunners’ current tactical system.
Real Madrid, who want to replace current right back Dani Carvajal, could also be in the running. Joao’s camp is said to be pitching the player to the Spanish club as well.
🚨🚨✅| JUST IN: João Cancelo wants to join FC Barcelona this summer at all costs! Jorge Mendes is working on getting the green light from Manchester City for a loan with a purchase option. @sport pic.twitter.com/LbNKaiP2Ud
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 7, 2023
Cancelo joined City on a long-term contract in 2019, coming from Juventus in a swap deal that sent Danilo the opposite way. In the process, he became the most expensive right-back in history. Initially, he struggled to displace Kyle Walker from the starting lineup and played just a minor role.
He then showed his versatility to gain a permanent left-back place, shifting between the two fullback positions. He was an important part as City won two consecutive Premier League titles in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
It will become clear in the summer where the Portuguese fullback will offer his services. Whoever gains the player would be massively boosted by the versatile player.
