Could Joao Cancelo leave Man City after losing starting spot?

Cameron Smith

• 12 Jan 2023 20:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo could leave the club amid transfer interest from clubs across Europe.

Cancelo, 28, joined Man City from Juventus back in 2019, but has lost his place in the starting XI since the resumption of the Premier League season following the World Cup break.

As a result, Europe's biggest clubs have begun circling, keen to sign Cancelo if he becomes available. His deal at Man City isn't set to expire until 2027, but interested parties have now emerged.

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According to The Telegraph, Cancelo is being monitored Champions League clubs in Spain, France, Germany and Italy as his future remains unknown.

Could Cancelo leave Man City

The Portuguese full-back has been a regular since joining Man City and his positional versatility and tactical nous has played a key role in Pep Guardiola's 'inverted full-back' system. However, youngster Rico Lewis has impressed when given the chance, while Kyle Walker has also been preferred to Cancelo at right-back.

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Most of his appearances have come on the opposite flank over the past few seasons, but Guardiola has recently favoured Nathan Ake at left-back, given his ability to form a back three in possession.

He's played 90 minutes just once since October - the 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Nathan Jones' Southampton. He was a substitute against Leeds and Everton at the end of December and was hooked at half-time in the 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League. Cancelo was then back on the bench in the FA Cup victory over Graham Potter's men.

Cancelo was included in the 2021/22 PFA Team of the Year after scoring three goals and assisting 10 in all competitions.

His Champions League form has been very impressive this season, notching five assists in the group stages. He's scored two goals and contributed one assist in the Premier League this year.