CITY would welcome back Joao Cancelo with open arms should he return in the summer, according to former defender Joleon Lescott.
However, with Cancelo making the surprise deadline-day move to Bayern Munich, Lescott explained how the Blues have two perfect replacements in Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis.
Speaking from Ghana, where Lescott helped Xylem and City's global foundation build a water tower in a rural village, the pundit explained how the Blues will manage just fine without Cancelo for the rest of the season.
"I don't think anyone was expecting Cancelo to leave outside of the team," Lescott told M.E.N. Sport.
"But I've been in football long enough to know there's no surprises.
"I've moved on deadline day myself where it's not been in the water. He's a great servant for the club, hopefully it's a loan and doesn't mean he's gone forever, because he’s been a great player. “In regards to this season, though, Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis have played a massive part in the fullback areas, so he’s probably seen that as an opportunity to get more game time.
“If he does come back, I’m positive everyone will welcome him with open arms because he’s been such a good servant.”
As a player, Lescott played the majority of his career at centre-back, but was used at leftback on occasion as Ake will be asked to do in the coming months. To swap positions, Lescott believes Ake possesses the right mentality to excel as City’s new first-choice left-back.
“His performance against [Bukayo] Saka last week, not just his goal but the way he defended against him, was outstanding,” Lescott explained.
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.
