Barcelona have been public in their desire to re-sign Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, but with just over a month to go until the transfer window closes, neither look to be close to happening yet. Either way, reportedly Felix is more likely to return.
Over the summer the line has been that Cancelo is more of a priority for Barcelona, with the Catalan side set to pursue a star signing in Felix’s position. However MD report that it is more likely that the Atletico Madrid forward returns than the Manchester City full-back.
🚨 Note: Dutch outlet Telegraaf claims that the news of David Hancko being close to joining Atlético Madrid is a lie and just media pressure to force Feyenoord to make the move happen.
On the other hand, another Dutch outlet, 1908nl, claims that Feyenoord are considering the… pic.twitter.com/Na9OWu5rZA
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 29, 2024
The fact that there is no clarity on Nico Williams’ prospective arrival, and Barcelona have other options at right-back, namely Jules Kounde, Hector Fort and Julian Araujo, mean Felix’s deal might make more sense. Equally Atletico Madrid may be forced into considering another loan move. Diario AS say that Felix is keen to resolve his future before Tuesday, when Atletico fly to Hong Kong as part of their preseason tour, but that looks highly unlikely.
On the other hand, Sport still claim that Barcelona are confident they can bring Cancelo back. The two cards in their hand that give them confidence are his agent Jorge Mendes, who they trust to negotiate a deal, while Pep Guardiola is the other. The City manager has no desire to have Cancelo in his squad, and will look to force him out come what may.
Raphinha: "I'm looking forward to working under Hansi Flick." @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 29, 2024
There have been reports that Saudi Arabian sides are willing to meet Cancelo’s €30m asking price, but ultimately they need to convince the player to change his mind on a move to Barcelona. Felix has been linked with Benfica and Aston Villa, but the former seem to have been ruled out by the player, and the latter are yet to make an offer.
