Ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, Pep Guardiola was asked in Friday’s pre-match press conference about Joao Cancelo and whether he had a future at the Etihad Stadium, but the 52-year-old admitted he couldn’t give a definitive answer.
Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan until the end of the season and he could turn the move permanent if his £61m option is triggered. The 28-year-old could end up staying in Manchester if the Bundesliga giants don’t match the asking price, however.
Guardiola was somewhat blindsided by Cancelo requesting a transfer but wasn’t bitter when talking about his departure. Instead, Pep showered the right-back in praise and wished him well in Germany.
Guardiola said: “First, I wish him the very best. Next season I do not know what is going to happen. He’s one of the players who trains the best. He loves to play. (He) didn’t play much in last two, three games (and) is a guy who needs to play to be happy. We decided together to let him go to Munich.”
Cancelo made 26 appearances in all competitions for City before his departure, scoring two goals with five assists. The Portuguese international was dropped by Guardiola for poor form, starting just two of City’s last six league outings, so the writing was on the wall earlier in January.
And after Cancelo failed to start in the FA Cup win over Arsenal, he confronted Guardiola and requested a transfer as an ultimatum. The club accepted and a deal was hashed out very quickly with Bayern. If he impresses, they will surely sign him permanently. City have already identified replacements.
In other news, Pep Guardiola names Maximo Perrone in Premier League squad ahead of Tottenham clash
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