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In this Reuters photo, Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, right, battles Joao Cancelo of Manchester City for the ball during a Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Aug. 15, 2021. Reuters-Yonhap |
Bayern Munich bolstered its struggling team with the loan signing of Portugal left back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on Tuesday, the last day of the transfer period.
The 28-year-old Cancelo joined "on an initial deal through to the end of the current season," Bayern said. The German club has the option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of 70 million euros ($76 million).
Cancelo, who scored five goals and set up 11 more in 98 Premier League games for City, will give Bayern more security in defense and an added attacking threat.
"Joao is a player we've been thinking about for a while now because we very much appreciate his qualities. He's the optimal fit in our system with his attacking style of play and dynamism, and his mentality and experience fit very well in our team," Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said.
Cancelo can play on the left or right, giving Bayern much-needed options after left-sided defender Lucas Hernandez injured his knee at the World Cup and right back Noussair Mazraoui has inflamed tissue around his heart following a COVID-19 infection. (AP)