Writing in his column for the Manchester Evening News, journalist Simon Bajkowski has claimed that manager Pep Guardiola will not stand in Joao Cancelo’s way if he does decide to leave after just one season at the Etihad – with the club’s stance on the player apparently ‘made clear‘.
Cancelo, who signed for the Sky Blues last summer in a deal worth £60 million, with Danilo going the other way in a swap deal for £34.1 million, could now be on the cusp of another player-swap – but this time away from Manchester.
A report from the Telegraph last week indicated that Barcelona are keen on instigating a swap deal for Cancelo’s signature, with full-back Nelson Semedo going the other way.
The rumour should come as no surprise to our fan base given the fact Cancelo has struggled to oust in-form defender Kyle Walker from the first team this season, with the Portuguese international having made just 11 Premier League appearances all term.
Should City sell Cancelo?
Yes
No
By comparison, his English counterpart has started 21 games under Guardiola according to WhoScored, potentially highlighting Walker’s resurgence in form.
Our 2-1 win at home to Southampton back in early November showcased how Walker has been able reduce Cancelo’s first team chances, with the right-back showing a strong desire in setting up Sergio Aguero for the equaliser and scoring the winning goal himself during the dying minutes of the game.
As per this MEN piece by Bajkowski, it appears Guardiola doesn’t want Cancelo if he refuses to adapt and challenge Walker for a spot in the team.
Taking this into account, and the rumours that have recently come to light, our newest defensive recruit could very well be on the way out in near future.