Juventus Football Club has signed 24-year-old Portugese defender João Cancelo on a full transfer from Valencia CF. Cancelo has signed a five-year contract with the Bianconeri and becomes Massimiliano Allegri’s third summer signing.

LEAVING HOME EARLY

After initially playing for his home town team of Barreirense, he later joined the Benfica youth set-up. Cancelo won the youth championship with Benfica in his first season in 2012/13, before being rewarded with a debut with the senior team the following season, going on to make two appearances in the second half of the 2013/14 season. Despite making just two appearances, it was enough to catch the eye of Valencia who signed him on an initial loan deal the following summer.

MAKING HIS NAME IN LA LIGA

Cancelo made his debut with Valencia in September 2014 and finished the season making 10 appearances in La Liga and three in the Copa del Rey. He made enough of an impression on Los Che to make his transfer permanent the following summer and became more of an ever-present for the side, making 37 appearances in all competitions, and going on to make 38 in the 2016/17 season. Cancelo has shown himself to be an adaptable player, operating in roles down the entire right-hand side. 

MOVING TO SERIE A

Last season, Cancelo played one match for Valencia before moving to Inter on loan where he played 26 matches in Serie A scoring one goal. 

It was a very successful season for the Portugese who led all Serie A defenders from 1 January with 33 chances created. He also completed the most dribbles in Serie A from 1 January (38) and averaged the most touches per match on his team last season.

PORTUGESE INTERNATIONAL

From the Under 16’s right the way through to the senior team Cancelo has played for every senior squad of the Portuguese national team. Featuring in several international tournaments including the UEFA U-19 European Championship, FIFA U-20 World Cup, Toulon Tournament and UEFA U-21 European Championship. The right-back made his debut for the senior squad last year and was named to the preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

In short, Allegri will have a young and attack minded fullback at his disposal whose tactical flexibility will hopefully prove to be invaluable this coming season and beyond.

Bemvindo João!