The permanent signing of João Cancelo may be too expensive for Bayern Munich, Hasan Salihamidžić told Bild.
Cancelo joined Bayern in the winter transfer window on loan for the rest of the season. The loan has a buy option of €70m. When asked about the buy option, Salihamidzic said: “We play with open cards. The most important thing is that João feels comfortable in Munich and can perform in the second round. But we also told him clearly that this sum is difficult for us to imagine in the next few years.”
However, Salihamidžić believes that they could potentially reduce the fee: “But I have also learned: If all sides absolutely want a common solution, you can also manage it in the end. He knows that he has been one of our dream players for years.”
The 28-year-old made his debut in Bayern’s 4-0 win against Mainz playing 71 minutes. Providing an assist for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s opening goal.
Cancelo adds another option to the right-back position for Bayern after Benjamin Pavard has underperformed as of late and Noussair Mazraoui will miss an extended period of time due to heart problems. The defender also provides backup for left-back with Alphonso Davies the only option after Lucas Hernandez’s ligament tear at the World Cup.
The defender is likely to make his Bundesliga debut against Wolfsburg on Sunday.
GGFN | Jack Meenan