Barcelona will push for on-loan duo’s continuity only on one condition – report
It is uncertain how much financial freedom Barcelona will have come summer, and it is thus vital that the management make the right decisions over the futures of players whose deal with the club ends this summer.
Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, both of whose loan deals end in June, are thus seen as players whose immediate future is unclear.
The Catalan club’s administration values the contributions of both players and is not opposed to their continuity for another season.
However, they will pursue the operations only if there are favourable conditions from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
The defender’s case
Cancelo has been a regular in Xavi’s starting lineup, although primarily in a position that is not his niche.
Having covered for Alejandro Balde at left-back for the latter part of the season, Cancelo has done well barring some slip-ups in recent games. The management, however, values his merit over his recent blunders.
His contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027, and with the player not getting along with Pep Guardiola, it is clear that he will not return to his former club.
With the player clear that he wants to continue in Catalonia, it remains to be seen if City are willing to loan the player for an additional season as Barcelona desire.
After all, the club will find it difficult to shell out the €30 million the English side demand for a permanent transfer.
Felix in a similar boat
The Spanish publication makes it clear that Barcelona are in favour of continuing with Felix as well, although he has not been as convincing on loan as his compatriot.
His ability to step up when the team needed him, as in the games against Atletico Madrid and Porto, however, gives the management reason to believe in his utility.
Moreover, many on the board see Felix to be an upgrade over the team’s other option on the left, Ansu Fati, who has struggled all season at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Atletico Madrid are desperate to get the player off their books for good, but with Barcelona pushing for another loan, it remains to be seen if an agreement can be struck.
Needless to say, Barcelona will not go overboard to sign either star if their parent clubs demand atrocious valuations.
