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    Joao Cancelo joined Bayern Munich from Man City on FREE loan transfer with German club having option to buy

    JOAO CANCELO joined Bayern Munich on a FREE loan transfer.The Manchester City defender made the shock move to the Allianz Arena after falling with Pep Guardiola.
    Joao Cancelo made the shock loan move to Bayern Munich in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Cancelo has been one of City’s top players in recent years, but lost his place in the team after the World Cup and was said to have become disruptive.
    He started just two Premier League games following his return from Qatar and made the switch to Germany after being overlooked for the FA Cup tie with Arsenal.
    Remarkably though, he cost the Bundesliga champions nothing.
    That’s because Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed that it was a free loan with no fee.
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    An option to buy was included in the deal with Cancelo only signing until the end of the season.
    But a permanent transfer for the Portugal international will cost Bayern £61.5m.
    Regardless, the right-back has enjoyed a fine start to his career Germany.
    Just days after his move was confirmed, he was handed his debut in the DFB-Pokal last-16 tie with Mainz.
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    Cancelo took just 17 minutes to register his first assist as he crossed for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to volley home the opener.
    And he repeated the feat by setting up Kingsley Coman on his Bundesliga debut on Sunday as Bayern beat Wolfsburg 4-2. More

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    If Bayern Munich come calling for Harry Kane this summer, he should go to win some trophies, says former Liverpool star

    FORMER Liverpool and Tottenham star Danny Murphy has called on Harry Kane to quit Spurs this summer for Bayern Munich. The striker has been one of the most prolific in Europe for many years but is yet to win a trophy in his senior career.
    Several years of high-level performances has made Harry Kane a man in demandCredit: Reuters
    Several reports have linked him with a move to the Allianz Arena but Kane has stayed put – and is now closing in on the all-time outright Spurs scoring record.
    But Murphy believes he must jump ship at the end of the season if given the chance.
    The pundit told the Mail: “If Bayern Munich come calling for Harry Kane this summer, he should go. It would be hugely sad if a player of his quality finished without winning a trophy. It’s something he himself would regret after retirement.
    “When I reflect on my career, the best memories are those at Liverpool winning something; the joy at the final whistle, celebrating with team-mates and supporters, the parties and parades afterwards.
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    “That is what you work so hard for and unfortunately Spurs are no nearer giving Kane what he deserves as a world-class striker.
    “He turns 30 this summer, it’s getting to that now-or-never stage but it shows how good his form is that one of the biggest clubs in Europe are still interested.”
    Kane has been in fantastic form this season and finds himself only behind Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts.
    The England international has found the net 16 times compared to Haaland’s 25 goals.
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    And it is not only Bayern who are believed to want him with reports signalling that Manchester United may also weigh up a summer move.
    However Murphy believes Germany is the best option for the Spurs man.
    He added: “I’m sure Kane would get other offers. Manchester United have been mentioned but he hasn’t got time to be part of a team that is building.
    “If he was going to leave Spurs, it would be primarily to win trophies from the get-go which would make Bayern his best option.”
    Kane has regularly hit 20 goals or more since breaking on to the scene in the 2014-15 season.
    And with his contract up at the end of next season, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy will be desperate to not lose him for free.
    Kane had previously appeared to be heading towards the exit door in the summer of 2021 as a dispute broke out over a “gentleman’s agreement” he had with the club.
    But he stayed put and today could pass Greave’s goal record if he scores against Manchester City. More

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    Kylian Mbappe suffers heartbreaking injury and will miss PSG clash with Bayern Munich in Champions League

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is set to miss PSG’s huge clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League due to injury. The French star sustained a thigh strain during yesterday’s 3-1 win at Montpellier.
    Mbappe was seen hobbling after the game against Montpellier yesterdayCredit: AFP
    He now faces three weeks on the sidelines and will miss some crucial games, according to Get Football News France.
    By far the biggest is PSG’s last 16 game against Bayern with the French giants still chasing their first Champions League trophy.
    It has become almost an obsession for Paris Saint-Germain but they have fallen short repeatedly over the last few years.
    Mbappe, widely seen as among the world’s best players, would have been as a key factor in overcoming the German opponents.
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    But with only 12 days until the first leg at the Parc des Princes, PSG boss Christophe Galtier may now need to rethink his plans.
    Mbappe also faces missing league games against Toulouse, Monaco and Lille while a cup game at Marseille next week may also be beyond him.
    There are also questions over Neymar’s fitness after he missed the game against Montpellier.
    Between them the pair have contributed 34 goals in all competitions this season.
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    PSG and Bayern’s game is one of several mouth-watering games in Europe’s top competition set to take place later this month.
    Liverpool also take on Real Madrid in a repeat of last year’s final, while Dortmund take on big-spending Chelsea.
    The Europa League is also set for one of it’s biggest knockout games ever. More

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    ‘It STINKS of someone who hasn’t watched him’ – Rio Ferdinand slams Paul Merson over claiming Sabitzer is ‘panic buy’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand lambasted Paul Merson’s heavy criticism of January signing Marcel Sabitzer.Sabitzer joined United on deadline day following a loan deal with Bayern Munich and will replace Christian Eriksen, who has been ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.
    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed Paul Merson’s Marcel Sabitzer criticismCredit: Getty
    Paul Merson described Marcel Sabitzer’s arrival at Manchester United as a “panic buy”Credit: Rex
    Marcel Sabitzer joined Manchester United on loan from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Merson wasn’t impressed with the Red Devils’ signing as he labelled the midfielder as a “panic buy” and a “fourth-rate player”.
    Merson told Sky Sports: “He doesn’t get in the Bayern Munich team, as the manager just said. He’s way off that. 
    “Their two in midfield is cemented but if he was that good, he’d be pushing. So again it goes back to panic. There was no interest in him on January 1st. Now, it’s a panic buy.
    “Eriksen has just got injured. It’s a panic. You’re buying fourth-choice Bayern Munich players. For me, I’m not sure about that. He doesn’t get into the Bayern Munich team.
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    “If I’m a Manchester United fan or a Chelsea fan, I’d be looking and going, he doesn’t get anywhere near Bayern’s first team.”
    But Ferdinand strongly disagrees with the Arsenal hero’s comments as he said they “stink of someone who hasn’t seen him play”.
    The legendary defender insists Sabitzer is an ideal replacement for Eriksen after a “sensational” seven-year stint at RB Leipzig.
    The ex-England international admits the 28-year-old “hasn’t tore it up” at Bayern since his arrival in 2021 but that is due to the immense competition he faces in the pecking order.
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    Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE: “If I was trying to get a short-term replacement for Eriksen at the drop of a hat, Sabitzer is the player I would get.
    “I watched a hell of a lot of this player when he was at RB Leipzig and he was sensational.
    “He was integral to everything they did. Yes, he’s gone to Bayern and hasn’t tore it up there or become a regular but the players he’s behind are big, household names.
    “He will be a really good signing for Man United. He’s an experienced player who has played in big games, Champions League games.
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    “For me, those comments [from Merson] stink of someone who hasn’t seen him play. This guys knows how to play football.
    “You don’t get signed by Bayern Munich if you’re a chump. He’s a really, really good footballer.
    “Manchester United couldn’t have done any better, I don’t think.” More

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    Man Utd complete loan signing of Bayern Munich star Marcel Sabitzer as club leave it late on transfer deadline day

    MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich.Sabitzer, 28, joins on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season.
    Manchester United have confirmed the loan signing of Marcel SabitzerCredit: Getty
    There is not an an option or obligation to buy the 68-cap Austria international included in the switch.
    United did not announce the move before the 11pm deadline, but submitted a deal sheet to give them an extra hour to get it over the line.
    Speaking upon joining United, Sabitzer said: “Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions.
    “From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season. 
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    “I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.
    “I’m excited to start with my new teammates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.” 
    John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time. The opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.
    “He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to Manchester United.”
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    The Red Devils dipped into the transfer market on deadline day after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.
    An agreement was reached on Tuesday for Sabitzer to join on a short-term deal.
    Sabitzer was seen at Munich airport earlier on Tuesday evening before jetting to the UK.
    Thousands of excited United fans then tracked a private plane, believed to be carrying the new signing, as it flew to Manchester.
    It landed shortly before 8pm, before Sabitzer arrived at United’s Carrington HQ around an hour later.
    Sabitzer joined Bayern in the summer of 2021 from RB Leipzig, but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot.
    He has made just seven league starts this season, the last of which came against Borussia Dortmund in October.
    However, Eriksen’s injury means Sabitzer could slot straight into the team.
    Boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a fan of the Austrian and United considered signing him last summer. More

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    Man Utd target Marcel Sabitzer spotted at airport as Bayern Munich star AGREES personal terms with Red Devils

    MARCEL SABITZER has been spotted at Munich airport ahead of a loan transfer to Manchester United.The club signed off terms with Bayern Munich this afternoon and the player is now flying to Manchester to complete his move.
    Marcel Sabitzer (middle) was spotted at the airport ahead of a loan switchCredit: Twitter
    Sabitzer is set to join Manchester United on loanCredit: Getty
    Sabitzer has been on the Red Devils radar for some time as what they describe as a ‘high quality’ midfielder.
    But the move for him has been accelerated by the injury to Christian Eriksen which will sideline the Dane until at least the end of April.
    Sabitzer is reportedly keen to work with Ten Hag and will travel to Manchester while awaiting an agreement between United and Bayern.
    It is believed the midfielder will join United on loan for the rest of the season.
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    Sabitzer, 28, has struggled to establish himself at the Bundesliga champions since signing from RB Leipzig in 2021.
    He has made just seven league starts this season, the last of which came against Borussia Dortmund in October.
    But Eriksen is not expected back until late April at the earliest so Sabitzer could come straight into the team.
    Erik ten Hag is said to be a fan of the Austrian and United considered signing him last summer.
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    Chelsea are also believed to be interested and have enquired about the star.
    The Blues have spent heavily throughout the window and look far from done on deadline day.
    They are still trying to push through a move for Enzo Fernandez and need to bolster their midfield with the shock exit of Jorginho to Arsenal looming. More

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    Joao Cancelo breaks silence on Pep Guardiola relationship as Man City ace completes Bayern Munich loan transfer

    JOAO CANCELO has broken his silence following his exit from Manchester City.The Portuguese defender completed a shock loan move to German champions Bayern Munich on deadline day.
    Joao Cancelo joined Bayern Munich from Manchester City on deadline dayCredit: GETTY
    The Portugal international has joined Bayern on loan for the rest of the seasonCredit: PA
    Cancelo’s departure from the Etihad came following a falling out with City chief Pep Guardiola.
    The Portugal international hinted that his move could be made permanent with a brief Instagram post, although he’s insisted his exit from Eastlands by no means finalised.
    He said: “The video on Instagram may sound like a farewell but it wasn’t meant that way.
    “We have to see what these five months bring.
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    “I want to be here with a clear head.
    “We will then talk again at the end of the season but I’m still under contract to Manchester City.
    “I don’t see it as a final departure from the club.
    “I’ve not had much game time in the past few weeks – and that influenced my decision.
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    “It has nothing to do with my relationship with Pep.”
    Cancelo, 28, is relishing the new challenge on his plate.
    He said: “FC Bayern is a great club, one of the best in the world, and it’s enormous motivation for me to now play alongside these extraordinary players in a team.
    “I know that this team lives for titles and wins titles every year.
    “I’m also driven by the hunger for success.
    “I‘ll give my best for FC Bayern.”
    Joao Cancelo is champing at the bit to get startedCredit: GETTY
    Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamzidic said of Cancelo’s arrival: “We’re very happy that Joao Cancelo will now play for FC Bayern.
    “We’ve signed him on loan now and have the possibility of signing him permanently in the summer.
    “Joao is a player we’ve been thinking about for a while now because we very much appreciate his qualities.
    “He’s the optimal fit in our system with his attacking style of play and dynamism, and his mentality and experience fit very well in our team.
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    “I’m convinced Joao will help us in the coming weeks and months where we want to win titles.”
    Cancelo could make his Bayern debut tomorrow night with the Bavarians take on Mainz in the last 16 of their DFB-Pokal cup tie. More

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    Barcelona look to raid Bayern Munich in stunning double transfer swoop after German giants’ shock move for Joao Cancelo

    BARCELONA are lining up a double transfer raid on Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Spanish giants have identified two major stars as key targets.
    Joao Cancelo’s arrival to Bayern could prompt the exit for two starsCredit: Getty
    However, they will wait until the summer before launching their bids.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, there are no talks ongoing between the two European heavyweights on deadline day – six months on from their bitter row regarding Robert Lewandowski’s move.
    Instead, Barca plan to try and strike at the end of the season for duo Benjamin Pavard and Joshua Kimmich.
    It is reported that French defender Pavard is open to the switch to the Nou Camp.
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    Versatile ace Kimmich, meanwhile, has emerged as a top priority for the 2023-24 season.
    The former RB Leipzig player has shone throughout this seven-and-a-half years with Bayern, winning the Bundesliga in each season.
    Pavard, 26, arrived from Stuttgart in 2019 – a year after winning the World Cup – and the pair combined in the Champions League-winning campaign in 2020.
    However, the double deal could be scuppered by Barcelona’s torrid financial situation.
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    Directo Gol report it would be “economically impossible” to bring Kimmich in.
    The Germany star, 27, earns a reported £330,000 per week at the Allianz Stadium and is tied down until 2025.
    Pavard, though, will enter the final 12 months of his £84,000-a-week contract this summer and is therefore far more affordable.
    And Bayern may be more open to selling him after signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, initially on loan with an option to buy.
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    Barcelona have already been told they must reduce their annual spending on wages next season by £158million to comply with financial regulations.
    The LaLiga leaders sold off various rights and deals last summer – including shares in a TV company and the stadium name – to help operate amid their £1billion debt.
    Barcelona signed Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Lewandowski last summer.
    The £42.5million deal for the Polish striker left the Bundesliga champions fuming – and could scupper Barca’s chances of signing Pavard or Kimmich.
    Bayern – who were already angry at Barca regarding the failed European Super League breakaway – could not believe the Spanish side were allowed to seal the transfer.
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    Boss Julian Nagelsmann raged: “Barcelona, the only club that has no money but then buys every player they want.
    “I do not know how [they do it]. It‘s kind of weird, kind of crazy.”
    Joshua Kimmich is a transfer target for BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Benjamin Pavard could also be on his way to the Nou CampCredit: Getty More