Transfer Centre

Barcelona open to permanent deals for Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 September 2023

Barcelona open to permanent deals for Cancelo, Felix

Barcelona are open to signing Manchester City's Joao Cancelo and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix permanently next summer, confirms their new director of football Deco.

Barcelona's new director of football Deco has said that the club are open to signing both Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix permanently during next summer's transfer window.

The duo moved to Camp Nou on transfer deadline day, with Cancelo arriving on loan from Manchester City, while Felix has been borrowed from Atletico Madrid for the 2023-24 campaign.

Deco has confirmed that there is not a purchase option on either player, so Barcelona will not be committed to signing Cancelo or Felix next summer.

However, Barcelona would be open to acquiring the pair on a long-term basis if they perform impressively during the current season.

"Neither Cancelo nor Joao Felix have a purchase option. It is a simple one-year transfer. If they do well we will try to retain them, but for now, it is a transfer," Deco told reporters during a press conference.

Barcelona's Joao Cancelo before the match on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

"They arrived at the last minute and they are players who contribute a lot to the squad. They have to demonstrate their abilities here. Barca has the ability to inspire.

"We expect a lot from them, but the season will tell us how they progress things."

Both players made their Barcelona debuts in the team's 2-1 victory over Osasuna before the international break.

Cancelo was introduced for Sergi Roberto in the 59th minute of the contest, while Felix entered for Oriol Romeu in the 80th minute, helping their new side win late on courtesy of a goal from Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

The duo will now be hoping to be in the starting XI when Barcelona resume their La Liga campaign at home to Real Betis on Saturday night.

Both players have been away with Portugal during the international break, with Cancelo featuring against Slovakia and Luxembourg, while Felix played against the latter, netting off the bench in what proved to be a 9-0 win.

Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea from Atletico following the breakdown of his relationship with head coach Diego Simeone.

Cancelo is also said to have fallen out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola late last year, which led to him moving to Bayern Munich on loan for the second half of last season.

Felix has another six years left to run on his contract at Wanda Metropolitano, while Cancelo has four years to run on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.