Manchester United opinion: Solskjaer wants Joao Cancelo – a brilliant move?
According to a report from Italian publication Calciomercato, Manchester United are considering the option of signing Juventus’ Joao Cancelo in the summer.
Antonio Valencia is expected to leave Old Trafford after a decade when his contract runs out in the summer and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the Portuguese full-back as the Ecuadorian’s heir.
Ashley Young will turn 34 in the summer and Diogo Dalot on his own will struggle to last the entirety of next season. Manchester United will need to bring an experienced option at right-back and Joao Cancelo would be a phenomenal addition.
The 24-year old has cemented his place in Turin as the first choice in his position and has also played as a right-winger on occasion this season. Juventus paid a staggering €35million for Cancelo last summer and will expect a mammoth €75million for him this summer.
The report reveals that the asking price for the Portuguese will be the biggest hurdle for United in the summer, but given the Red Devils’ status as one of the richest clubs in the world, the money should not a massive issue.
Cancelo has played 19 games in the Serie A so far this season and has scored once while providing 4 assists. The 24-year-old has provided balance to the Old Lady in the attack and the defence. He has been a valuable asset to Massimiliano Allegri this campaign.
Cancelo is also highly versatile and has played in both full-back positions and also as a right-winger this term. His ability to play in multiple positions will be a valuable asset for any team, especially Manchester United who have struggled on the right flank this season.
Despite only being 24 years old, Cancelo has a tonne of experience at the top level having played close to 200 games in three different leagues so far in his career.
His inclusion will certainly solve the void left by Antonio Valencia who has been one of United’s most dependable players in recent years.
Cancelo is primarily an attacking full-back but his ability to track back and position himself when under threat makes him a perfect fit for this United side, who have been caught out on the right flank on numerous occasions this season.
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Conclusion
The addition of Joao Cancelo to Manchester United is a no-brainer and he would be of great value to this United side. His price may prove to be a stumbling block but if the Red Devils manage to seal a deal for the Portuguese international, he would be worth every penny.