Second chance? Pep Guardiola offers update on Joao Cancelo's future at Man City following Bayern Munich loan & Barcelona transfer talk

• Portuguese loaned out last season
• Linked with a move elsewhere
• Opportunity for fresh start at City

WHAT HAPPENED? The versatile 29-year-old appeared to have no future at the Etihad Stadium after being allowed to link up with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in January on a loan deal that included a purchase option. That clause has not been triggered and, despite talk of Barcelona expressing interest, Cancelo finds himself back in City’s squad as a result. He was named on the bench for a pre-season clash with Yokohama F Marinos, and Guardiola says a player under contract until 2027 may yet see the slate wiped clean in Manchester.

WHAT THEY SAID: Guardiola told reporters when asked for an update on Cancelo – who reportedly incurred his wrath before being shipped off to Germany: “He is here. Joao has been so important for us in the past. He is back here and is part of the group. We will see what happens.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Cancelo – who missed City’s Treble-winning party in 2022-23 – could be another option for Guardiola in his inverted full-back system, with the Portugal international famed for his ability on the ball. The Blues are expected to go well again in 2023-24 regardless of who they have at their disposal, with their manager saying when asked if he has any concerns heading into the new campaign: “Not this season just in general. In football you cannot be sure for anything. Football itself surprises you every day, many times. At the same time, I know the club and the players and that’s why. I am not thinking about titles. We play our first game and see what we have at the end of the transfer window. We arrive in Community Shield and the first game v Burnley and try not to drop points - and we will see what happens at the end.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? City have friendly outings against Bayern and Atletico Madrid to take in before facing Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 6 and opening the defence of their Premier League title away at Burnley on August 11.