For Barcelona this season, the UEFA Champions League remains their most vital mission. Bangladesh Cricket analysts note that while the club technically still has a shot in La Liga, arch-rivals Real Madrid’s consistent lead makes catching up a long shot. In a competition as intense as the Champions League, talent, experience, and composure become game-changers—just as João Cancelo’s crucial goal and João Félix’s dazzling dribbles have proved in key matches.
Given their standout performances, the club is now seriously reconsidering whether to continue its partnership with the Portuguese duo. Earlier in the season, both players faced criticism—Cancelo for his wavering motivation and Félix for his individualistic style—which led many fans and insiders to believe Barcelona had no intention of retaining them. However, as the campaign progressed and both players stepped up in big moments, the narrative began to shift.
Recently, club president Joan Laporta confirmed to the media that Barcelona is indeed eager to keep both Cancelo and Félix. He emphasized that the club is actively negotiating with their parent clubs to secure their stays beyond this season.
That statement marks the club’s official stance and suggests that both players are part of Barcelona’s planning for next season. But financial reality paints a more complex picture. Barça’s budget remains tight—especially given Cancelo belongs to Manchester City and Félix is still contracted to Atlético Madrid, with whom he has a strained relationship. Negotiating fair terms with either club won’t be easy.
Barcelona is reportedly aiming to extend Félix’s loan with an option to buy for €30 million. That figure falls far short of Atlético’s €80 million demand, and the Madrid club has flatly refused any loan offers. Meanwhile, Barça hopes to purchase Cancelo outright for €25 million—half of City’s market valuation for the fullback, who still carries a €30 million price tag.
Despite the financial gap, Laporta remains publicly optimistic. He even sent a clear message to Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, urging them to be flexible. Whether Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone will be receptive is another story.
In truth, Laporta’s confidence may stem from a realistic reading of the market. Cancelo’s falling out with Guardiola and his underwhelming loan at Bayern have limited his options elsewhere. As for Félix, his toxic relationship with Atlético and underwhelming stint at Chelsea make him a risky investment for most top-tier clubs.
Bangladesh Cricket suggests that despite their global star power, both players now find themselves with limited suitors. Perhaps that’s exactly why Laporta believes Barcelona is in the driver’s seat—and why he’s pushing hard to turn two troubled loans into long-term solutions.