The transfer of João Cancelo to FC Bayern is perfect. The Portuguese national defender speaks of “enormous motivation” and could stay longer with the German record champions after a loan. But Bayern have to dig deep into their pockets for his transfer fee.
Bayern Munich has reacted to its earnings crisis and signed World Cup star João Cancelo shortly before the end of the transfer. The German record champions are loaning the Portuguese international from English champions Manchester City until the end of the season. However, Bayern have an option to buy the 28-year-old, who is said to have fallen out with city coach Pep Guardiola. This should amount to 70 million euros.
“João is one of those players that we’ve been thinking about for a while because we really value his qualities. I’m convinced that João will help us in the coming weeks and months as we aim to win trophies,” said sports director Hasan Salihamidži?.
FC Bayern, Cancelo added, is “one of the best clubs in the world and it’s a huge motivation for me to now be in a team with these extraordinary players.” He is driven by “the hunger for success”. He previously posted a video on Instagram addressing Skyblues fans: “Once a Cityzen, always a Cityzen. Thank you,” he said.
Cancelo is a trained right-back. Bayern Noussair Mazraoui is missing the position indefinitely due to 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 most recent 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt, Croatian Josip Stanisic started at right back.
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.
