FC Barcelona confirms the departure of two loan superstars
- Joao Cancelo to return at the Etihad next season.
- Barca thanks Felix and Cancelo for his services.
![Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix to return to their previous clubs Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix to return to their previous clubs](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4956,h_2787,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/392/01j1t613vqawb3ecgkfk.jpg)
Coming off a tremendous debut season with the Blaugrana, Joao Cancelo's and Joao Felix's loan spell ended on June 30th. While the fullback empowered the Catalan backline with a brilliant offensive presence, the Portuguese forward showed signs of brilliance whenever tolled upon.
Cancelo outperformed with nine-goal contributions, and Felix's total of 16-goal contributions meant the obvious, The Portuguese duo would be among the core players in the new Hansi Flick project.
However, Barca's flaccid financial conditions have made the stay of the two difficult at the Blaugrana club, given their parent clubs, Manchester City and Atletico, refraining from another loan, Diario Sport revealed. With City's demand of €40 million for Cancelo and Atleti's take of €65 million for Felix, the services of the two required massive cash flow.
Recent update on Joao's situation
Be it Barca's ongoing struggle to comply with the FFP regulations or Laporta's recent media address, it was clear Barca wouldn't cash out on the duo. Moreover, Fabrizio Romano's update on the situation sounded the same,
"“João Félix and João Cancelo are not to continue with FC Barcelona.”"
- Fabrizio Romano(via Twitter)
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona also say goodbye to João Cancelo: “João Félix and João Cancelo are not to continue with FC Barcelona”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2024
“The Spanish defender's contract ends on June 30, as do the loan contracts for the two Portuguese players, who will return to their respective clubs”. pic.twitter.com/9HNOJdwjW9
Romano further made it clear that the Catalan Giants won't push further for both of them and as their contract ends on June 30th, the Joaos will return to their respective clubs.
Announcing on twitter, he said,
"“João Félix, not to continue with Barça.”"
- Fabrizio Romano(via Twitter)
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona official statement: “João Félix, not to continue with Barça”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2024
“Thank you, João”.
Loan move from Atletico Madrid expires today. pic.twitter.com/mAzt0fi5XI
His further statement regarding Cancelo sounded familiar,
"“Thank you, João”."
- Fabrizio Romano(via Twitter)
20 year old Barca wonder ace to be the next "Davies" under Hansi Flick. 20 year old Barca wonder ace to be the next "Davies" under Hansi Flick. dark. Next
The departure of the two has left a deep void, demanding significant brainstorming from Deco and Hansi Flick to pursue similar replacements. That would surely take some toll on Barca's future, influencing how the Catalan club performs under Hansi Flick in his debut season.