Barcelona signs Portuguese duo Felix and Cancelo on loan

Barcelona signed Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix and Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season, the Spanish champions said Saturday.

(From L-R): Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix have both joined Barcelona on a loan deal. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Barcelona signed Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix and Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season, the Spanish champions said Friday.

“Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of player Joao Felix until June 30, 2024. There is no option to buy,” said the Catalan club in a statement, before then announcing Cancelo’s arrival.

"I'm very happy to join this great club. It's a dream come true" 💙❤️

🔊 João Cancelo pic.twitter.com/ZvCcrYLGcn

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023

Barcelona loaned winger Ansu Fati to Brighton and defender Clement Lenglet to Aston Villa earlier Friday to help create room to accommodate its new arrivals on the wage bill and register the players with La Liga, who have strict financial fair play rules.

Felix became one of the most expensive players in history when Atletico Madrid signed him from Benfica in 2019 for 126 million euros (136 million USD) at just 19 years old.

The Portuguese forward, 23, failed to find consistent form in the Spanish capital, and Atletico loaned him to Chelsea last season, where he also struggled.

Felix has spoken out about his desire to play for Barcelona in the past.

“The club publicly expresses their gratitude to the player for the financial effort made (to join) and his desire to wear the Barca shirt,” added Barcelona.

João Félix's first words as a Barça player 😍 pic.twitter.com/qPWGgBr3TB

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023

Atletico said Felix has signed a two-year contract extension, until 2029.

Barcelona then confirmed the arrival of Cancelo on loan from Manchester City, also with no option to buy.

The club needed a specialist right-back, using central defender Jules Kounde in that position for the majority of last season.

Cancelo, 29, fell out of favour at Manchester City last season, joining Bayern Munich on loan in January.

The Portugal international was pivotal for City coach Pep Guardiola in previous years as he played an important role in two Premier League triumphs.

Cancelo signed a five-year deal with City in February 2022, but less than a year later Guardiola sent him to Bayern.

Barcelona have had a busy transfer window, signing Ilkay Gundogan, Oriol Romeu and Inigo Martinez, while Ousmane Dembele, Franck Kessie and others departed.