Barcelona looking for formulas to sign Portuguese duo amid fears they won’t return to the 1:1 rule

As we edge closer to the final phase of the campaign, Barcelona must start making decisions regarding the future of two on-loan players – Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix.

Both Portuguese internationals have been quite impactful for Barça since joining the club on a season-long loan deal last summer.

Cancelo has been an ever-present figure in the defensive unit while Felix has improved his performances after a slight rut during the midway point of the campaign.

Barcelona keen on retaining Cancelo & Felix

According to RAC1, Barcelona have made the decision to retain both Felix and Cancelo in the coming summer.

However, knowing the club’s tricky economic situation, Barcelona are actively looking for formulas that will allow them to retain both players, without breaching any Financial Fair Play regulations.

As things stand, the Blaugrana fear that they might be unable to reach the 1:1 rule in the summer, which will leave their hands tied in the transfer market.

Not operating on the 1:1 rule means that they won’t be able to spend the entire revenue that they generate on transfers. And with the team’s salary bill currently much higher than the limit set by La Liga, their spending power will be limited.

Retaining the services of Cancelo could be critical (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

As such, they are looking for innovative formulas to get both Cancelo and Felix to stay at the club beyond the ongoing campaign.

Finding such a formula will be tricky, especially considering the fact that the club will have to negotiate with Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

Barça seek Cancelo deal; Felix to be loaned

One possible scenario Barcelona are looking at is to try and secure the services of Cancelo on a permanent basis.

It has been reported in the past that the Catalans are ready to pay €15-20 million to Manchester City for Cancelo. The Premier League giants, though, retain a high valuation for the Portuguese international.

As for Felix, Barcelona are not in a position to sign both the Portuguese internationals. As such, the Blaugrana are likely to explore another loan deal for the Atleti attacker.

The coming months could be crucial as Barça find out ways to retain both these talented players for the season ahead.