Real Madrid suffer huge Joao Cancelo transfer blow

The full-back situation at Real Madrid is interesting right now. At right-back, they have Dani Carvajal as the starter while Lucas Vazquez is the back up option. They are both in their 30s though. On the other side of the pitch, they might have the best defensive left-back on the planet in Ferland Mendy, but he is not known for his abilities going forward. There is no out-and-out cover for him, but David Alaba does a great job when he fills in.

Real Madrid have recently been linked with a potential move for Joao Cancelo of Manchester City though. The Portuguese international might very well be the best full-back on the planet right now.

Cancelo has looked like a player transformed under the management of Pep Guardiola and is capable of doing things on a football pitch that not many other full-backs are.

So, it is not hard to see why he could potentially be an incredible signing for Real Madrid. But a move does not seem to be on the table. As reported by GOAL, Cancelo told City Magazine:

"“Manchester City was the most important step I took in my career. Of course, I’ve been in big clubs such as Benfica, Valencia, Inter, Juventus. But I think that, right now, Manchester City is in another level. I decided to come here, but of course, the first six months weren’t very good. I needed a period to adapt. But now I’m much more integrated here and I hope to stay many more years, because here is where I feel good.“I can talk about this, because after my mistake against Liverpool last month – an individual mistake who gave the three points to Liverpool – the people supported me, and I felt the love from our fans, and I want to give it back to them in the future. I want to give them titles because it’s the best way to repay them for the support they have given me.”"

Cancelo seems to be planning to stay at Manchester City for years despite links with Real Madrid

Thus, it looks like Cancelo has his eyes set on remaining at Manchester City and why would not he? He is settled there and playing in a team whose style fits his to a T.

And even if he wanted to leave, Real Madrid would have a tough time signing one of Guardiola’s favourite players, who is believed to have a contract with Manchester City till the summer of 2027.

Thus, the best step forward for Real Madrid would be to shift their eyes elsewhere and look for other full-backs, if they are looking to strengthen in that area of the pitch. Of course, it would be very difficult to find someone as good as Cancelo.