Real Madrid eye 2023 move for Manchester City defender

Just ten games into the 2022/23 season and Joao Cancelo has picked up exactly where he had left off from the previous campaign.

The Portuguese international arguably remains unchallenged as the best left-back in the world at present, which points to his incredible levels of versatility.

Initially brought in as an alternative to Kyle Walker, capable of pushing him for first-team minutes, the fact that the 28-year-old has nailed down the spot on the opposite flank is extremely impressive.

With Manchester City’s decision not to bring in a brand-new starting left-back last season, Cancelo not just stepped up to fill the position, but was perhaps the stand-out player in the role across Europe.

The former Juventus defender’s excellent displays prompted the Sky Blues to hand him a new contract till 2027 earlier this year.

The two-time Premier League champion had reflected on his long-term commitment to the club by discussing how there is simply not a better club to represent in the world.

Joao Cancelo had also touched on how he wishes to accomplish several things before his career comes to a half and Manchester City is the perfect club to help him achieve his goals.

The ex-Inter Milan full-back’s wife was the one who had advised him to take the call, as he was mulling over whether he should go through with the major commitment.

Despite all signs pointing to the multi-functional defender being all smiles in the blue side of Manchester, an update from Spain suggests that a top European club will now still try to unsettle him next summer.

As per a report by Mundo Deportivo, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing the addition of Joao Cancelo as an alternative to Ferland Mendy at Real Madrid.

Currently, David Alaba is the emergency left-back option, in the absence of the latter - which the Italian boss wishes to change as he prefers to deploy the Austrian international as a centre-back.

Keeping that in mind, Los Blancos intend to contact the Manchester City left-back next summer, considering the club are understood to have a good relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes.

It is due to this very reason that it has been stated that it would be unsurprising if Joao Cancelo joins the European champions.

Additionally, the former Valencia star is said to be valued at €65 million by Manchester City.

Despite Real Madrid’s much-discussed pull that gives them an advantage in any transfer deal, Joao Cancelo’s recent contract extension indicates he is fully focused on Manchester City.