Cancelo closing Bayern's gaps ahead of Paris clash

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 1, 2023
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Bayern Munich's signing of Joao Cancelo is far from an act of desperation.

The 28-year-old Portuguese joining the 2020 treble winner might come along as a last-minute move with the German transfer window closing on January 31.

Nevertheless, the on-loan deal including a buying option of a reported 70 million euros not only is making sense considering the Bavarian's injury malaise but also is a sign to the club's international competitors.

Two weeks ahead of the delicate and paramount last-16 duel against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic closed significant gaps.

The reigning German champion might have been caught by an unpleasant surprise having to replace keeper Manuel Neuer and the defenders Lucas Hernandez and Noussair Mazraoui due to winter break injuries.

But investments of several million for Yann Sommer, Daley Blind, and Cancelo give proof of the club's determination to go all in to achieve success this season.

The Bavarians' answer (as far as Cancelo is concerned) might as well be pointing to the future as French 2022 world champion Benjamin Pavard is expected to leave next summer.

Barcelona is said to be interested while Bayern might take its last chance to gain profit as the defender's contract is expiring one year later.

Pavard announced to head for new shores to enjoy a new challenge after winning "all you can" with Bayern. Similar thoughts might have haunted Cancelo after losing his place in the Citizen's starting eleven.

His big dream is to win the Champions League which made Bayern gain an advantage in the signing race as competitor Barcelona can't provide the Champions League this season.

Cancelo seems a perfect match as the Portuguese international can cover both sides in the back while Pavard only reluctantly left his favorite position as a central for the job as a right back.

The former Juve defender is Salihamidzic fifth attempt to find a suitable solution to replace Joshua Kimmich, who moved to midfield.

The latest transfers are, as a side effect, increasing the pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann's shoulders.

Following three disappointing league draws, Bayern declared the German Cup duel this Wednesday evening against national rival Mainz to be a trendsetting issue for this season's outcome.

"This is a knock-out game, and it's the right thing to prove we are ready to meet our borders," chairman Oliver Kahn said. In his perspective, the Cup game delivers a foretaste of what is seen as the season's most decisive task, the two games against the Citizens.

While reports speak of Cancelo's relationship with Citizen coach Pep Guardiola having worsened over the recent weeks, Bayern is hoping to benefit from the 2019 Nations League winner's ambitions. Therefore, it might be no surprise to not only see him in Bayern's starting 11 against Mainz but also as Bayern's new cornerstone against Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

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