Guardiola’s Verdict on Cancelo and Other Intriguing Man City Rumours
Joao Cancelo will allegedly leave Manchester City permanently this summer, citing manager Pep Guardiola.
Cancelo returned to the Etihad Stadium this week after spending time on loan at Bayern Munich. On the day of the January transfer deadline, the 29-year-old went for Bavaria in pursuit of more first team football.
Cancelo made 21 appearances under Thomas Tuchel, recording one goal and four assists in the process. The Portuguese defender was jeered by portions of the home crowd during one of these Champions League games against City.
Guardiola said the jeers were only directed at him since he was playing against City, but it appears Manchester’s Blues fans have seen the last of him. Sam Lee of The Athletic claimed on the Let Me Talk show that Cancelo will be leaving the team permanently.
All I know is that they have no plans for him to attend the preseason tour, he said. They absolutely do not want him to be there.
“But I’m just thinking if it doesn’t get sorted in the next few weeks, it could be a bit awkward. I mean once they go to Japan they could say: ‘Stay behind to work on a transfer,’ but then if there is actually nothing, he’s doing nothing for like two weeks, then it’s a bit harder.”
Elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo understands Arsenal and Juventus are interested in signing Aymeric Laporte this summer. The 29-year-old has two years remaining on his contract but speculation suggests he could be sold in this transfer window.