Barcelona sporting director Deco has challenged Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo to prove themselves in order to earn a permanent transfer to the club.
Cancelo and Felix join on loan. The issue is that their salaries were cut to join Barca. Deco praises Messi as GOAT
WHAT HAPPENED? Portuguese duo Felix and Cancelo, who moved to Barcelona on one-year loans from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City on the final day of the summer transfer window, have been challenged by Deco to prove themselves in order to earn a permanent move at the end of the season.
The Barca director was also asked whether the two players would accept pay cuts to complete their loans, as the La Liga champions are not currently in a strong enough financial position to offer new players lucrative contracts.
WHAT HE SAID: When asked about Felix and Cancelo at his official presentation as Barca’s new sporting director, Deco told reporters: “They arrived at the last minute and they are players who contribute a lot to the squad. They have to show their abilities here. Barca have the ability to inspiring. We expect a lot from them, but the season will tell us how they progress.”
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“Neither Cancelo nor Joao Felix has a purchase option. It’s a simple one-year transfer. If they do well, we’ll try to keep them, but for now, it’s a transfer [peminjaman].”
Asked if the Portuguese duo had accepted a pay cut to complete their loan, Deco replied: “Everyone has made an effort. I can’t tell you the players’ contracts, but La Liga takes different things into account.”
GOAT MESSI: Deco also answered questions about former teammate Lionel Messi, who turned down the chance to reunite with Barcelona after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winner from Argentina instead went to Inter Miami in MLS, but Deco harbors no bitter feelings over his final decision.
“Leo is a friend. I love him very much. Now I talk to him less often, because he is far away,” he said. “We all wanted to have Leo but it wasn’t possible because of the situation we already know. He is the best footballer in the club’s history. I see him happy and enjoying himself at Inter Miami. As a Barcelona fan and a Leo fan, I wish him all the best. “
IN THE PHOTO:
@FCBarcelona_esGetty/GOALGetty/GOAL
WHAT IS NEXT? Xavi’s Barcelona team will next be in action against Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday (17/9) early morning WIB, with Felix and Cancelo both making their debuts.
