Thomas Tuchel has explained why Bayern Munich decided not to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at the Bundesliga giants after he fell out with City boss Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese full-back had become frustrated by a lack of minutes in January, and Guardiola became concerned that his attitude was negatively affecting the rest of the squad.
City took the decision to loan Cancelo to Bayern until the end of the season, meaning the 29-year-old missed City’s treble triumph.
The deal included a £62m purchase option, but the Bundesliga champions decided against activating it this summer.
Guardiola does not want Cancelo in his squad this season, meaning City are actively looking to sell him.
However, despite links with Barcelona, City are yet to receive either a transfer or loan offer for their wantaway star, meaning he has travelled to Japan as part of City’s pre-season preparations.
Tuchel explains Bayern decision
City and Bayern will face each other in a friendly in Tokyo on Wednesday, placing Cancelo in the slightly awkward position of playing in a match where neither side wants him.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash, Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel explained why the club decided against signing Cancelo on a permanent basis.
“[It was] Never football reasons [behind his return to City]. He is a fantastic football player,” Tuchel said.
“It was just that we have Alphonso Davies back, full strength from injury and we decided to sign Rapha Guerreiro as a free agent.
“So it was a matter of position and a matter of finance. He helped us a lot in the half a year he played for us. He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic footballer. That is why.”
MCN view: City may have little option
City want to sell Cancelo rather than loan him out again, but as the transfer window progresses and the new season approaches, they may have little choice.
If no suitors come in to take the full-back on loan, then Cancelo could make an unlikely return to competitive action for City.
