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Joan Laporta confirms Barcelona still want Joao Felix on a permanent deal

Laporta confirms Barcelona still want Felix on a permanent deal
© Reuters
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirms that his club still want to sign on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a permanent basis.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that his club still want to sign Joao Felix on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window despite the recent speculation.

The 24-year-old has scored seven goals and registered five assists in 28 appearances for the Catalan outfit since arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid during last summer's transfer window.

Felix's form has dropped off over the last few weeks, though, and a recent report claimed that staff members at the club had become concerned by his dip in form.

Barcelona have said on a number of occasions this season that they are keen to sign both Felix and on-loan Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo on a permanent basis during the summer market.

Felix's form had led to suggestions that the La Liga champions were considering changing their stance, but Laporta has confirmed that the club are still pursuing a permanent deal for the forward.

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid on December 3, 2023© Reuters

"Deco (sporting director) is working on both of them continuing," Laporta told RAC1 when asked whether permanent deals for both Felix and Cancelo were still on the club's agenda.

Laporta also provided an update on the club's financial situation ahead of the summer market.

"If financial fair play is complied with, this is the end of a phase, which is part of the legacy we have received. We have a budget that, if it is met, will give us profits," he added.

"We have reduced the sporting wage bill by €172m (£147.1m). The sporting wage bill was 98% and now it is 57%. To generate fair play, we needed the levers and now we will have more because of our work."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on April 17, 2023© Reuters

Felix signed a new contract with Atletico before moving to Barcelona last summer, with his terms at Wanda Metropolitano due to run until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

The Portuguese has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for his parent club since making the move from Benfica in the summer of 2019.

Cancelo has also been an important player for Barcelona this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering three assists in the process.

The right-back has a contract with Man City until June 2027, but he is expected to be allowed to leave the Premier League champions during the summer market.

Cancelo is set to be involved in Barcelona's La Liga clash with Alaves on Saturday, but Felix is currently on the sidelines due to an ankle problem.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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