Man City might get an unexpected Joao Cancelo decision after Bayern Munich change

From the start of Joao Cancelo's loan spell at Bayern Munich, the door was left open for a potential return to Manchester City.

Bayern have a non-compulsory option to buy Cancelo, and after a quick start to life in Munich it felt like he was ready to move on. His farewell post to City fans felt like a goodbye, despite the full-back and Pep Guardiola both insisting no decision has been made on Cancelo's future.

City have found something of a solution to life without Cancelo, with the once-dreaded back three making a successful return in the eight games since he left. Nathan Ake continues to be one of City's most consistent players of the season, and Bernardo Silva has been a revelation in his 'false left-back' role.

ALSO READ: 'He's handling it well' - Cancelo already facing familiar City problem with Bayern Munich

The back three is a system that should get City through the season until the long-standing left-back problem can be addressed again. If Guardiola wants to play with a back four and a more traditional left-back, then Ake, Sergio Gomez and Rico Lewis are all options.

Guardiola has praised Ake for making other players better and stating that he makes other players around him better. On Saturday, he said something almost identical about Bernardo.

Guardiola said Bernardo is 'unique in the world' in helping dictate City's rhythm that helps the team play better, suggesting that his long-term future for City - as long as that lasts - will be in midfield. To play him as left-back cover, though, does allow Guardiola to field all four of Bernardo, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. There's no guarantee that Gundogan or Bernardo will be at City next season, but for now it's a way for Guardiola to get the