Bayern Munich boss Tuchel heaps praise on Joao Cancelo

Although recent reports suggested Bayern Munich won’t activate the buy option in Joao Cancelo’s loan deal, there’s still a lifeline for the Portuguese in Germany.

The record-time Bundesliga champions are reportedly reluctant to splash out €70 million to buy the Portugal international from Manchester City at the end of the season.

However, new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel seems to hold the 28-year-old in high esteem despite managing him for only a week after replacing Julian Nagelsmann in the hot seat.

“I love Joao Cancelo – he has the absolute highest quality, left foot, right foot, passing,” he said, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

“I’m more than happy that he’s here. We will need him. I’m convinced that he can play at a top level for us.”

Cancelo joined Bayern on a six-month loan in January and has since featured in all but one of the Bavarians’ eight Bundesliga matches, clocking a goal and two assists.

His ability to perform equally well on both flanks kept him in Pep Guardiola’s high regard for years, but something went wrong between the two this term.

The former Juventus full-back hoped to reignite his career at the Allianz Arena after falling out of favour at the Etihad Stadium. However, it’s not gone according to plan.

While he was in and out of Nagelsmann’s starting XI, Tuchel’s arrival could turn his fortunes around, although it’s worth noting the German used him as a late substitute on his touchline debut last weekend.

Bayern thumped bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund 4-2 on home turf, with Cancelo joining the fray in the final 11 minutes, suggesting he may not be Tuchel’s first choice.

If he returns to Manchester in the summer, the versatile defender should have no problems finding a new landing spot despite an underwhelming season.

But there’s still enough time for him to convince the Bayern hierarchy to sign him permanently and Tuchel’s recent statement sounds like a promising start.