Man City may have already found Cancelo replacement after news - pundit

By Paul Robinson

4th Feb, 2023 | 6:00am

Man City have already secured Joao Cancelo replacement after confirmed news - pundit

Paul Robinson has claimed Man City may already have Joao Cancelo’s replacement in Rico Lewis.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said Lewis’ form “allowed Pep Guardiola to stamp his authority” with Cancelo.

As confirmed by Man City (31 January), Cancelo has left the club to join Bayern Munich on loan.

The Bundesliga champions also have the option to sign the right-back permanently.

It comes after reports of a training ground bust-up with Guardiola last week.

Cancelo was a bit-part player for the Cityzens following the World Cup.

Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake have been the preferred full-backs.

When asked by Football Insider if City had already found Cancelo’s long-term replacement in Lewis, Robinson said: “They might have.

“I think his performances has helped Pep come to the conclusion he has. There was obviously a problem with Cancelo but the manager would have probably bit his tongue if it wasn’t for Rico Lewis.

“City still have Lewis, Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake and [Sergio] Gomez who can play as full-backs. It is not as if they’re really short in those areas.

“The availability of those players and the form of Lewis has allowed Guardiola to stamp his authority. City are definitely a better side when Cancelo is playing and playing to his best but they have got more than enough to cope until the end of the season.”

In other news, a pundit cannot believe what people are saying about Kevin De Bruyne amid ‘big’ Man City claim.