FC Barcelona are keen on ensuring that they return to their rightful position amongst the European elite. The Catalan giants have seen themselves plummet to new lows in recent years despite their best efforts. However, a new era is being marked at Barcelona and a lot of names are to thank for it.
Xavi Hernandez arrived in 2021 to help a sinking Barcelona reach European football again. However, there have also been other names that have helped steer Barça to the right direction. The latest transfer window in the summer of 2023 saw two very special Portuguese talents make their way to Barcelona.
Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo have been crucial for Xavi’s Barcelona this season. The forward and fullback from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, respectively, have become key components. However, they still only remain at Barça as loan players.
Speculation about their future remains consistent, but the words of Barcelona president Joan Laporta make the stance of the Catalan club quite clear, as per SPORT.
In a recent interview, the Barcelona president made it clear that the club remains more than happy with the Portuguese duo. Moreover, they already have a strategy in place to implement when the time is right to acquire them:
“We are very satisfied (with both Joaos), and Deco already has a strategy for when we consider it appropriate to talk to Atlético and City and keep them with us.”
“Both are having a great season, and we are confident that they will continue to progress more and more. I hope that if Xavi puts them in tonight, they will continue to perform very well.”
The financial demands of both the Spanish and English clubs will likely be high, but Barcelona seems to have a plan. In terms of the short-term, however, Barça must first focus on the clash against Girona.
Scheduled to kick off in a couple of hours, the Catalan clash is one that is expected to be quite heated. Ahead of the game, Joan Laporta talked about Girona’s great form this season and how Barcelona views them:
“They are a rival and also a friend. Just because it’s Girona, it’s a team we have sympathy for and a sense of belonging to, but it’s still a rival, and a way to respect them is to compete with them because they have less pressure than we do.”
“After yesterday’s draw (between Betis and Real Madrid), we are interested in winning more than anyone else.”
For now, Barcelona only look forward to first welcoming Vitor Roque in January. The objectives for the summer of 2024 are still far away, however. The Catalan giants know that a lot of challenges are still coming up ahead between now and then as well.
