Pep Guardiola’s decision to loan out Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich without signing a replacement in January was surprising, but if it lands Manchester City €70m (£62m) in the coming months and shaves some money off the wage bill then that would soften the blow.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed to Caught Offside that Bayern put up no money to secure the move, however, after director Hasan Salihamidzic revealed they’re somewhat cash-strapped and not obligated to pay the buyout clause, so City haven’t benefitted from this move at all.
Cancelo has made 154 appearances in all competitions since joining from Juventus in 2019, scoring nine goals with 22 assists. The 28-year-old was a regular this season with 26 appearances until mid-January, but his form fell off a cliff.
Cancelo started just two of City’s last six games and had a bust-up with Guardiola which led to him requesting a move away. City granted the decision and Cancelo’s representatives wasted little time getting the deal with Bayern in motion.
Romano said, however, that Bayern “have not paid any loan fee” to City and have “no money invested” until the summer. And while there is a buying option, “it is not mandatory”, so Cancelo could end up returning to the Etihad Stadium. So what was the benefit losing him mid-season?
In other news, Pep Guardiola could struggle to sell Man City player next season
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