This was a transfer update that no one saw coming! With less than 48 hours left in the January window, one of Manchester City's most talented players has all but agreed to leave the Etihad Stadium for Bayern Munich.

That man is none other than Joao Cancelo, the highly-regarded fullback deemed as one of the best in the world by fans and pundits alike. Despite being a key figure in the club's unrivaled success in recent years, the reigning Premier League champions have agreed to let him leave on loan for the Bundesliga giants.

This is according to David Ornstein of the Athletic, one of the most reliable journalists in the world. Ornstein reveals that his deal will likely include a buy-option as Nagelsmann's side have been admirers of the Portuguese ace for some time.

Cancelo was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the last two seasons, showing how crucial he has been to Guardiola's side during their back-to-back Premier League title wins. However, the Portuguese ace's playing time has decreased as of late.

The 28-year-old was left on the bench in three of Manchester City's last five Premier League games, with the former Juventus talent completing the full 90 minutes only once during that duration.

John Stones, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker, and 18-year-old starlet Rico Lewis have all been preferred in the fullback roles recently, with Ake impressing against Bukayo Saka in the Cityzens' 1-0 FA Cup win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.

However, the thought of Cancelo leaving in January was unthinkable due to the player having started 16 of Manchester City's 20 English top-flight games this season. There has been no mention of a potential replacement, meaning Pep's side, who are five points behind the Gunners in the title race, will need to stage a comeback with a man down.

As for Bayern Munich, the German giants moved for this deal due to the injury to Noussair  Mazraoui and the potential exit of Benjamin Pavard, who has been linked with Barcelona.

Bayern have decided to proceed with surprising Cancelo deal as Mazraoui is injuried and Pavard could leave in the summer as Barcelona are keen on signing him. #Cancelo

Bayern, set to schedule medical tests if all goes to plan in the next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/su8qo0BdMw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2023