Barcelona prioritise Joao Felix signing over Cancelo for three reasons

Barcelona spent last summer scrimping and saving owing to their dire financial circumstances, but the deadline day arrivals of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo managed to save grace.

The Portuguese duo arrived on loan after both players fell out with their parent clubs. Now, with merely a few months left before the season draws to a close, their future is up in the air.

Even though Barcelona want to sign both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo permanently, as confirmed by Deco, finances make the operations difficult.

Barcelona leaning toward Felix

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona club sources confirm that there is a stronger inclination to extend Felix’s stay at the club compared to Cancelo.

Cancelo has contributed with several dominant displays and helped plug holes on both flanks in defence, but it appears the Catalan giants prioritise Felix’s continuity more.

Despite a prevailing consensus that his form has experienced significant fluctuations throughout the campaign, the report argues that there are a multitude of factors that strengthen the 24-year-old winger’s case.

Barcelona leaning towards Joao Felix over Cancelo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Three reasons behind stance

Firstly, Barcelona believe Felix is a dependable player on big occasions, with his performances against FC Porto, and Atletico Madrid, both away and at home, being prime examples.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s deprivation of natural left-wingers in the squad means Felix is the only one capable of operating from the flank.

The likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres are all available on the roster, but are mainly considered right-wingers.

Lastly, there are no legitimate options available in the market for Barcelona to target a left-winger.

Considering the Blaugranes are shorthanded financially, signing top players such as Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who have been linked, looks to be off the cards.

It remains to be seen what formula Barcelona will pursue to secure Felix’s continuity, with a permanent purchase likely to be costly.

In the end, a second loan seems like a more realistic scenario if Atleti ends up obliging. However, recent developments have suggested that there may be a possibility of a swap deal involving Robert Lewandowski.