Barca looking for innovative formulas to keep the ‘Joaos’

Barça's sporting director, Deco, was always clear that Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix had to be two of the signings of last summer. Especially the winger as a priority target. Time has proved him right because the Portuguese have earned their place in the starting line-up in a short space of time and it seems that a good part of this season's luck could go through their boots if they continue with their current performance.

Joao Felix was negotiation that had been coming over some time and was simpler than you might imagine, but with Joao Cancelo it was sweaty to the point that Deco ended up setting a deadline for the agent, Jorge Mendes, to unblock the transfer due to the economic conditions imposed by Barça. Mendes succeeded and Deco ended up discarding Ivan Fresneda, whom he had tied up just in case.

The only doubt that Deco always had with these operations was the future of them. How can Barça secure the services of the two players at the end of the season if they end up being essential?

This was discussed with Jorge Mendes in the summer and it is clear that they have the players in their sights, but the Blaugrana know they will not be able to simply pay for them and they will have to find imaginative ways to close the deals. And Deco knows that, despite the higher valuation of Joao Felix, the operation with the striker may be easier than with the full back.

What is already undeniable is that City and Atletico have made the right decision in loaning the players out. They did not sell them at a low ebb and the Portuguese players are going to increase in value a lot this season if everything continues in the same way. Good for Barça in the present, but bad for the future because both will have offers and their continuity will depend to a large extent on their desire to continue as Blaugrana for many years to come.

Barça are going to be adjusted next summer, so the investment capacity will be minimal. And, from there, they are going to look for formulas such as an exchange, which Atletico may be interested in, but Manchester City don't even want to hear about it unless Barça include one of their real stars. Extending the loan deals seems impossible and they are going to work on this scenario, assuming that Atletico and City are going to price the two players very highly.

For now, only ideas have been discussed with Jorge Mendes, but nothing will start to move in earnest until January. The future is uncertain because of the blasted salary cap, but if it comes to it, Barca will fight for the duo. Both Barça and Mendes, who will earn regardless of whether they stay or leave.