Barcelona still include three stars on squad list on official website despite contract expiry

This is set to be a transformational summer window for FC Barcelona, as they incorporate new signings and bid some players farewell.

Sergi Roberto, Joao Felix, and Joao Cancelo are among the players whose contracts expired toward the end of last month, with none of their continuity being assured as of yet.

Unchanged profiles raise questions

Still, Barça have not removed their profiles from the squad list on the club’s official website. All three players are still listed as part of the squad.

While Barcelona have not officially ruled out the possibility of any of them returning, their continued presence on the site appears to conflict with their current status.

Photo courtesy: FCBarcelona.com

Some may consider this to be an oversight on the club’s part, but Barcelona have been actively updating their squad information on the website.

For instance, they have removed Marcos Alonso from the roster, changed Lamine Yamal’s number to 19, and added the new coaching staff under Hansi Flick. Vitor Roque is also listed without a number.

Given these updates, the continued presence of Sergi Roberto, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo particularly raises eyebrows.

Photo courtesy: FCBarcelona.com

That being said, the Portuguese duo’s inclusion on the website does not mean Barcelona have a smooth route to ensuring their continuity.

After all, a deal for Joao Felix to return to Barcelona seems difficult considering that Atletico Madrid are demanding a permanent fee for him and SL Benfica are seen as the big frontrunner for his signature.

Meanwhile, Cancelo’s continuity is not assured either. Manchester City aspire to leverage the defender’s hefty market value and will not give in to Barcelona’s wishes easily.

As such, Barcelona recognises the challenges in extending their loans but remains hopeful that both players, who have consistently expressed their desire to continue with Barça, will ultimately agree to stay.

Finally, Roberto’s future also appears distant from Barcelona as he continues to studies offers from abroad. Still, his placement on the club’s website is perhaps a sign that they aim to retain his services.