Real Madrid rejected Cancelo before he went to Bayern

It took Joao Cancelo just 18 minutes to start to shine for his new side in the cup game against Mainz 05. The right-back, on-loan at Bayern Munich from Manchester City, got his first assist for the Bavarian side.

Even though he has now landed in Germany, the Portugal international could have gone elsewhere before. According to Fabrizio Romano, the left winger was offered to Real Madrid before going to Nagelsmann's side. However, the Spanish giants rejected this option.

The journalist himself added that the main reason was that the 'Meregues' were not looking to strengthen in January. What is more, Barca also thought about the Portuguese star, but his high salary made a move to Catalonia impossible.

Planned departure from City

Cancelo had in his mind he wanted to leave City since he got back from the World Cup. Poeple in England think that his sudden departure was due to the bad relationship he has had with Pep Guardiola for some time.

The player denied this publicly, however: "I wanted to play more and I had a big club like Bayern after me. It's a very good feeling. I made the most of the opportunity. I knew this great club and I wanted to make the most and get training with the others as soon as possible. I'm really excited to get to work".

"Me leaving has got nothing to do with Pep Guardiola", he added. At the end of the day, whatever the reason for his departure, the Portuguese right-back arrived at the Bundesliga on loan and will remain at the Bavarian club until the 30th June 2023. However, the German side could choose to exercise the option to buy for around €70 million.