Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo is reportedly on the brink of joining German champions Bayern Munich before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. 

While the deal has yet to be completed, it's expected to be an initial loan with an option to buy in the summer for 70 million euros.

Cancelo joined City from Juventus in 2019 and has made a significant impact during his time at the club. 

He's won two league titles and the EFL Cup.

His ability to drift inside and act as a playmaker saw him named in the PFA Premier League team of the year for the last two seasons.

However, Cancelo's recent form has been underwhelming, and he's only started three games since the World Cup. 

The emergence of teenager Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake's improved form has given City manager Pep Guardiola confidence in his defensive options, making Cancelo's exit seem more likely.

In December 2021, Cancelo suffered cuts to the face after a horrific robbery at his home, but signed a new five-year deal with City in February 2022, extending his contract until 2027.

Despite this, it seems Cancelo is keen to move to Bayern Munich in order to continue playing at the highest level. 

This comes after City sold several key players last summer, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling.

Guardiola is always willing to let go of players in order to build for the future

While the loss of Cancelo will undoubtedly be a blow for City, it's clear that Guardiola is confident in his remaining options and is willing to let go of players in order to build for the future. 

Whether Cancelo's move to Bayern Munich will turn out to be a success remains to be seen.

But it's certain that his time at Manchester City will be remembered as a successful and impactful period in the club's history.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Bayern Munich set to sign full-back Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. Likely to include buy option. 28yo Portugal international has seen #MCFC minutes limited recently + #FCBayern long-term admirers. W/ @polballus for@TheAthleticFC https://t.co/JyM32rNz5d

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 30, 2023