Barcelona has announced the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix and Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season. 

 

The Spanish champions confirmed that there is no option to buy for either player.

 

Earlier on Friday, Barcelona loaned winger Ansu Fati to Brighton and defender Clement Lenglet to Aston Villa to make room for their new arrivals on the wage bill and comply with La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules.

 

Felix, who became one of the most expensive players in history when Atletico Madrid signed him from Benfica in 2019 for 126 million euros ($136 million), has struggled to find consistent form in recent years. 

 

“FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of the player João Félix until 30 June 2024. There is no option for a permanent transfer. The club wishes to thank the player publicly for the financial effort made and his desire to wear the Barça shirt”. The club statement reads

 

He was loaned to Chelsea last season, where he also struggled. Atletico also announced that Felix has signed a two-year contract.

 

Cancelo, who joined Bayern Munich on loan in January, will provide Barcelona with a specialist right-back. 

 

The Portugal international played an important role in two Premier League triumphs under City coach Pep Guardiola but was sent to Bayern less than a year after signing a five-year deal with City in February 2022.

 

Cancelo will now be reunited with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who also joined the Spanish club on a free transfer following his departure from the treble winners