---
title: "Man City: Real Madrid hatch Joao Cancelo transfer plan"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/joao-cancelo-real-madrid-transfer-plan-2023/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Manchester City News"
published: "2022-10-01T19:25:48Z"
modified: "2022-10-01T19:25:48Z"
---

# Man City: Real Madrid hatch Joao Cancelo transfer plan

**[Manchester City](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-news/) star Joao Cancelo is now of real interest to Real Madrid as they plot to sign him in 2023, according to reports.**

### The Lowdown: Cancelo stars for Man City…

Following a difficult debut [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) campaign in 2019/20, the former Juventus defender has gone on to dazzle under Pep Guardiola whilst cementing his status as a City mainstay.

Cancelo’s technical quality as a full-back is arguably unmatched, with the Portuguese gem [attracting high praise](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joao-cancelo-man-city-praise-22600725) for his creativity and flair over the past two seasons.

As per [WhoScored,](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/167/Show/England-Manchester-City) the 28-year-old is one of just five Sky Blues players to start every top-flight match so far this season, with Cancelo clearly an untouchable in Guardiola’s plans. Last season, the defender also ranked in City’s top five for [shots at goal and successful dribbles per 90](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/167/Archive/England-Manchester-City) in the top flight – impressive numbers for someone who is nominally a defensive player.

### The Latest: Real Madrid plot Cancelo move…

As a result of his fine form at Eastlands, it appears that Champions League holders Real Madrid are plotting a 2023 move for the Portugal full-back.

Mundo Deportivo claim (via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/club-will-try-to-contact-manchester-city-player-not-be-surprising-to-see-guardiolas-man-join-them/)) that Cancelo is attracting interest from the Galacticos, who ‘will try to contact’ the player next summer.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has apparently earmarked the City star as a natural left-back alternative to Ferland Mendy, and while he has David Alaba for that role already, the former Everton manager plans to use the latter as a centre-half.

### The Verdict: Worry for Pep?

With the player contracted until [2027](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joao-cancelo/profil/spieler/182712), City sporting director Txiki Begiristain is in a very strong negotiating position when it comes to Cancelo. The only concern for the Premier League champions could be the appeal that a club like Real Madrid presents given their [rich history](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/real-madrid/erfolge/verein/418) and big-name status.

However, if the 28-year-old doesn’t push for a move himself, Galacticos president Florentino Perez may need to invest significantly to convince Guardiola’s side to part company.

Hailed as one of City’s ‘[superstars’](https://twitter.com/davefreezer/status/1492535520362221573) by members of the press, Cancelo’s quality is best highlighted by club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who branded his team-mate ‘[very important’](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/ilkay-gundogan-manchester-city-psg-press-conference-63773265) to the cause.

If the Sky Blues are to be pushed into a sale, it would surely take a mountainous sum for them to do business with the Madrid giants.