According to sources, Barcelona removed a statement wishing João Félix and João Cancelo farewell, indicating their intention to re-sign the Portuguese players.
As their individual contracts came to an end on Sunday, Barça expressed gratitude to Marcos Alonso, Félix, and Cancelo for their time spent with the team.
Alonso was released as a free agent after his contract with Real Madrid expired, and the loans of Félix and Cancelo from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively, expire on June 30.
The names of Félix and Cancelo were eventually removed by Barça from the statement and all social media posts, though.
The statement gave the impression that the door had closed, therefore a source told ESPN that the rationale was that the goal is for them both to stay with the club longer.
Félix, who made 44 games for Barça last season and scored 10 goals, rejoins Atlético, while Cancelo, who played 42 times, temporarily returns to Man City; both players are representing Portugal at Euro 2024.
Nevertheless, in order to get clarification on their financial status this summer, the Barça management continues to maintain frequent communication with the pair’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
Barça is still in violation of the spending cap set by the league, so they are unable to guarantee any new contracts or signings with LaLiga.
Before adding players to the team, the Catalan club needs to earn money through player moves, wage reductions, or other sources of income.
The source verified that Félix and Cancelo are still targets in spite of the uncertainties surrounding Xavi Hernández’s replacement, Hansi Flick, the next coach.
The ideal scenario would be to bring both back on another loan, but the specifics of any agreements will depend on how negotiations with City and Atlético go.
Alonso, a former left-back for Chelsea, departs the team after two years.
Sergi Roberto, the club captain, whose contract expires on Sunday, has not been mentioned.
ESPN was informed by a source that although negotiations are still ongoing, Barça is unable to guarantee that they will be able to sign a new contract with La Liga.
Other clubs in Spain and beyond had expressed interest in Roberto, so he will soon need to decide his future. João Félix and João Cancelo
