LALIGA
Will Barcelona sign João Félix and João Cancelo permanently? How much are they willing to pay?
Reports from Catalonia claim Barça are looking to sign the Portuguese duo for cut-price fees in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona are hoping to get not one but two Joãos for Christmas, say Mundo Deportivo. The Catalan sports newspaper has claimed the LaLiga champions are looking to sign on-loan duo João Félix and João Cancelo permanently from Atlético Madrid and Manchester City respectively following their performances in Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Porto. There had already been similar talk following the 5-0 LaLiga thrashing of Real Betis in September.
How much are Félix and Cancelo worth?
According to Mundo Deportivo, La Blaugrana are willing to pay €40 million ($43.6 million) for Félix and €15 million ($16.3 million) for Cancelo, significantly less than the figures quoted only a few months ago (€80 million/$87.2 million) for the former and €25 million/$27.2 million for the latter). According to Transfermarkt, a website specialising in transfers, the players’ market value is around €50 million ($54.5 million) each. However, Barça believe they could sign the duo for less by moving quickly.
Portuguese duo’s lack of consistency
These latest reports, however, contradict the belief that sporting director Deco prefers to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on their futures. Partly, it has been suggested, because of both players’ inconsistent performances since joining the club.
Félix made a strong start to his time in Catalonia, scoring three goals and assisting another two in his first four games, but hadn’t found the net in 12 matches before facing Porto. Cancelo, meanwhile, has had more ups than downs but the team have often looked out-of-sorts when he has played on the right, faring considerably better when he has featured on the opposite flank.
Could Barcelona afford to sign Félix and Cancelo?
Can Barcelona afford to spend €55 million ($59.9 million) on players in their current financial state? Gavi’s long-term injury should enable them to register young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque in the January transfer window, although any further signings will likely depend on whether they are able to activate their latest financial level, related to the sale of audiovisual production company Barça Studios, which had been agreed but has now been delayed.