Barcelona prepare for Felix signing after Cancelo transfer

Suraj Radia

28 Aug 2023 16:56 BST
3 min read

Xavi, Joan Laporta, Barcelona — © ProShots

Barcelona are closing in on a move for Joao Cancelo and the Catalan side could have another player through the door before the end of the month after alerting La Liga of their transfer plans.

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Cancelo is set to join Barca on loan from Manchester City with an option for the move to be made permanent, finally drawing an end to Xavi’s pursuit of the Portuguese international and solving the club’s right-back woes.

However, according to Barca insider Gerard Romero, the club have informed the La Liga that they expect two signings and three departures before Friday’s transfer deadline, with Cancelo being one of the arrivals.

HERE WE GO!: Fabrizio Romano confirms Joao Cancelo deal

Barca are required to report any dealings to La Liga in order to adhere to the league’s Financial Fair Play rules due to the club’s ballooning wage bill.

Xavi’s side have been linked with a loan move for unwanted Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, although it is unclear whether the Portuguese international is the other player in question.

It is also possible that Barca are simply informing La Liga out of hope rather than expectation, with the league champions still dealing with registration issues for certain players.

Barca’s squad balancing issues

Barca have also been looking to sell fringe players such as Clement Lenglet, who has yet to be registered in the squad, making the Frenchman a likely candidate to be one of the three players to leave,

Marcos Alonso was only just registered for the squad for the win over Villarreal last weekend but the ex-Chelsea man has been linked with a move to Manchester United on loan, although the player reportedly has ‘no intention’ of leaving.

NO THANKS!: Alonso not willing to join Manchester United

Summer arrival Inigo Martinez has also yet to be registered, having been recovering from an injury since signing from Athletic Bilbao on a free in July.

Ez Abde is another player being linked with a move away, while speculation is also rife over the likes of Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, with at least one of those forwards likely to depart if Barca do indeed sign Felix or another attacker.