Joao Cancelo could be allowed to leave Manchester City and he may be offered to AC Milan as part of an exchange deal, a report claims.
Marca describe the relationship between City boss Pep Guardiola and Joao Cancelo as ‘topsy-turvy’ despite that fact that the full-back is considered by most to be one of the best in the world in his position.
In fact, the duo have each admitted in the media that things have not exactly always been rosy between them, starting with Guardiola’s comments after Cancelo renewed his deal until 2027 last year.
“We had problems when he arrived, we didn’t agree on many things, partly because of my mistakes, but now I am delighted that he is completely happy and can play here for the next few seasons,” he admitted.
Cancelo also suggested he had difficulties after arriving: “I came from Juve who had a different way of playing and I didn’t adapt to the team’s style. It was more my fault. I wanted to show my quality.”
He has had two excellent seasons, with three goals plus six assists in 2020-21 and three goals plus 10 assists last term, but he was a substitute twice for Portugal at the World Cup and has only started three of City’s games after the tournament.
This has led to speculation about a possible exit, and Marca state that the 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. However, there is also the possibility that Cancelo could be used as a counterpart in a bid for Milan’s Rafael Leao.
