Manchester City could make a move to sign a right-back in the summer transfer window as the future of Danilo at the Etihad is bleak as he wants first-team football from next season. Pep Guardiola is lining up a move for Juventus’ Joao Cancelo, who could cost the City manager £50 million, as per The Sun.
Cancelo joined the Italian champions ahead of the 2018-19 season, and despite playing 33 games in all competitions, the Portuguese right-back could be sold by Juventus. The report states that Guardiola is happy to have Danilo in the team for the 2019-20 season but the Brazilian wants to leave City in search of first-team football.
Cancelo was signed by Juventus from Spanish side Valencia for £36 million and Italian side will make a sizeable profit if they sell him in the summer. In the 33 games that Cancelo played for Juve, he scored once and provided five assists in the season, helping the team to another Serie A title in the 2018-19 season. The Portuguese international has also played 14 times for the national team, scoring thrice.
The fullback had competition from Italian Mattia De Sciglio for the right-back slot in the 2018-19 season. Meanwhile, Danilo has been linked with a move to Italian side Inter Milan. Cancelo will provide competition to Kyle Walker for the right-back position at Manchester City if Danilo is sold.
Should Manchester City pay up?
An attacking full-back who is quick, has great dribbling and crossing ability and is also solid in defence, Cancelo would be a good addition to most top sides in Europe. Technically sound and with the energy and drive to bomb up and down the right flank, Cancelo offers urgency and all-round ability to his team.
Cancelo is the perfect Guardiola player- a player who offers something in both defence and attack, with good passing and movement, as well as being defensively sound. Guardiola’s formation and tactics heavily depend on how the full-backs can contribute in every phase of the game, which makes it a very important position for Manchester City to do well.
The City team management should sign Cancelo if they have the opportunity to, as the 25-year-old has a lot to offer and is still young.
