Joao Cancelo’s sojourn in Turin is over after just one season as Juventus agreed to sell him to Manchster City for a €65M package that includes Danilo, who was valued €37M. The Brazilian right back penned a five-year deal and took a pay cut.
Cancelo was acquired from Valencia for €40M after Inter did not pick up the option to sign him permanently following the loan spell. He had a blistering start of the campaign, but lost a bit of steam after tearing a meniscus and missing a month in December. He ended up compiling five assists, three of which in Champions League, and one goal in 34 appearances in all competitions.
Cancelo was often reprimanded by former coach Massimiliano Allegri for his defensive deficiencies and his freelancing style, although he often served as a formidable creator on offense and valuable initiator of the action and had a special connection with Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he shares the agent.
The management probably did not see the progress they were looking for and accepted the lucrative bid, which obviously helps the balance sheets. New manager Maurizio Sarri does not rely much on fullbacks when attacking, which likely facilitated the decision.
Danilo has been mostly a back-up in his two years in England, especially last season, where he featured just 11 times in Premier League. He previously played at Real Madrid and had a similar trajectory, losing playing time in his second campaign.
Juventus have been following him since his Santos days and will be hoping he can recapture his Porto form, where he was teammate with Alex Sandro. He amassed 34 caps with the Citizens and 41 with Los Blancos. During his career, he has won domestic titles in four different countries and Champions League twice.
The 28-year-old defender can also be used on the left flank and in the midfield if necessary. The Bianconeri also have Mattia De Sciglio and Juan Cuadrado as options at right back.
The Portuguese international bid farewell on Instagram later on Wednesday: “In life we grow, live and learn. We cry and rejoice. That is everything I have experienced with you, I have been able to play with the best players and I improved myself. I celebrated every cut, every shot, every assist and every goal. I will always carry with me the respect I have for all of you. It was a pleasure Old Lady, thank you for everything.”
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