Many European clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Joao Cancelo's situation at Manchester City amid claims that the full-back could become available for transfer this summer.
The 28-year-old made the move to the Citizens from Juventus in 2019, and he has been a key player for the club since his arrival, featuring on 154 occasions in all competitions, contributing nine goals and 22 assists.
Cancelo has won two Premier League titles and the EFL Cup during his time in Manchester, in addition to helping the team reach the 2020-21 Champions League final.
The Portugal international has also featured on 26 occasions for Pep Guardiola's side this season, scoring twice and registering five assists, while he has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027.
Cancelo played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford, but he was substituted at the interval against Chelsea on January 5 before only featuring as a substitute against the Blues in the FA Cup.
© Reuters
According to The Telegraph, several European clubs are currently keeping a close eye on his situation in Manchester, with the defender said to be facing an uncertain future.
Man City are said to be considering moving for Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy this summer, with Guardiola thought to be keen to bring in a new left-back.
Cancelo has largely played as a left-back for the Citizens during the 2022-23 campaign, but he arrived at the club as a right-back, while he is also capable of playing further forward.
Real Madrid have recently been credited with an interest in the defender, who was in action for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, making four appearances at the competition.
© Reuters
Journalist Luke Edwards recently said on the BBC Transfer Gossip Daily Podcast: "I thought he was happy in Manchester, he was voted in the PFA Team of the Year last year, I've seen quite a lot of Manchester City and I thought he was one of their best players last season.
"I wasn't particularly aware that he was playing badly this year, but this is Pep Guardiola – he criticised Kevin De Bruyne's form, [Jack] Grealish has been dropped, [Phil] Foden hasn't been in the team. This is what he's like. What this story probably tells you is that Cancelo isn't very happy. I suspect there is an element of that in there.
"Footballers tend to be a little bit like small children – spoiled small children, at that. He's lost his place in the team and this is like a very polite way of throwing his toys out the pram and indicating that he's not particularly happy.
"I think Manchester City will just ignore it. And I think Pep Guardiola, it won't bother him in the slightest. I don't think there's any danger of him leaving this month."
Cancelo started his professional career at Benfica, while he also represented Valencia for three years ahead of a move to Juventus in 2018.
Matt Law
