FC Barcelona has made a significant decision regarding its first summer signing, as reported by SPORT. The club is looking to secure the permanent transfers of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who are currently on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively, until June 30.
Securing the services of the Portuguese duo is a priority for Barcelona ahead of the 2024/2025 season. While Cancelo may be more attainable due to his surplus status at Manchester City, Felix's situation at Atletico Madrid is also uncertain.
Financial constraints may pose a challenge for Barcelona, as the potential cost of acquiring both players could exceed $100 million. The club may need to offload other players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations before making significant signings.
Interestingly, Julian Araujo, who was technically Barcelona's first summer signing, was acquired just after the closure of the 2023 winter transfer window. Araujo has since been loaned out to Las Palmas, where he has been performing well under former Barcelona B manager Javi Garcia Pimienta.
Barcelona's sports department, led by Sporting Director Deco, is keen on Araujo's development and sees him as a potential competitor for Cancelo in the right-back position. With injuries affecting other defensive options, Cancelo has occasionally played on the left, while Araujo's versatility could provide valuable depth in the squad.
As Barcelona prepares for the upcoming season under a new head coach following Xavi Hernandez's departure, the strategic acquisitions of Cancelo, Felix, and Araujo aim to strengthen the team's defensive capabilities and overall squad depth.
