An update on the future of Barcelona players João Félix and João Cancelo has been provided by president Joan Laporta.
The Portuguese duo have become an integral part of Xavi’s side this season, however both players are only on loan and therefore as it stands, at the end of the season both players will return to their parent clubs. Félix, 24, is on loan from rivals Atlético Madrid and it is already public knowledge that the Catalan club would like him to continue at the club.
Due to Barca’s delicate financial situation, the club are unable to meet Atlético’s high asking price, but the clubs could meet in the middle by agreeing to another loan with an option to buy. It is unlikely that Manchester City would sanction another loan deal for Cancelo, as the player has no future at the club after a fallout with Spanish manager Pep Guardiola.
Therefore a permanent deal for Cancelo may be prioritised by the Blaugrana, as City are less likely to allow the player to leave on a loan for another season. As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Laporta wants both Portuguese internationals to sign permanently.
He said: “Their agent, Atlético and Man City already told us what’s gonna be needed to sign them.
“We want both Joãos to be permanent part of the team, not on loan.
“Let’s see how it evolves. I feel all parties will be happy at the end.”
Rajan Sangha | GSFN
