Barcelona President Laporta Confirms Plans to Retain João Félix and João Cancelo
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has confirmed that the club is actively working to retain João Félix and João Cancelo beyond their current loan spells. Sporting Director Deco is spearheading the efforts to secure their futures at the Camp Nou.
João Félix: A Standout Performer
Félix has been a standout performer since his arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old attacker has contributed significantly in various competitions this season. In La Liga, Félix made 30 appearances, scoring seven goals and playing 1544 minutes. His performance in the UEFA Champions League has also been noteworthy, with three goals and one assist in nine appearances. Laporta praised Félix’s quality, stating, “João Félix’s quality is something excellent, I’m happy with his season.”
Félix’s career has seen him transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for a staggering €126 million in 2019. He later moved on loan to Chelsea before joining Barcelona. Despite a challenging season at Chelsea, where he scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances, Félix has found renewed form at Barcelona.
João Cancelo: Versatile Defender
On the other hand, João Cancelo, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester City, has also made a significant impact. The 29-year-old defender has been a versatile addition to the squad, with 32 La Liga appearances, scoring two goals and providing four assists. His defensive contributions have been robust, with 65 tackles and 176 duels won. In the UEFA Champions League, Cancelo scored two goals and made one assist in 10 appearances.
Cancelo has had a dynamic career, with stints at Valencia, Inter, Juventus, and Bayern Munich before joining Manchester City. His move to Barcelona has bolstered the team’s defensive options, complementing players like R. Araújo and J. Koundé.
Laporta on New Manager Hansi Flick
Laporta also shared insights about Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, who has a history of success at both club and international levels. Flick, who previously managed Bayern Munich to a continental treble and led the German national team, had an interest in Félix during his tenure at Bayern. Laporta commented, “Hansi Flick already wanted João Félix at Bayern.”
Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona aims to build a formidable squad. The team has shown resilience in recent matches, with notable victories against Real Sociedad and Almeria in La Liga, and a thrilling win over Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Future Prospects for Barcelona
With key players like R. Lewandowski, İ. Gündoğan, and Lamine Yamal performing at high levels, Barcelona’s future looks promising. The retention of Félix and Cancelo would further solidify the squad’s depth and quality, positioning the club for continued success in domestic and international competitions.
Barcelona’s strategy to retain João Félix and João Cancelo highlights their commitment to building a strong, competitive team. The club’s efforts, led by Laporta and Deco, and the guidance of Hansi Flick, indicate a bright future for Barcelona as they aim for victories in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
