Barcelona elect against keeping Joao Felix as Joao Cancelo returns to Man City

By Sports Desk June 30, 2024

Barcelona have confirmed the departures of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid's record signing, joined Barca on loan last season, while Cancelo, his compatriot, joined from Manchester City on a similar deal.

Joao Felix played 44 times in all competitions for the Blaugrana. He scored 10 goals and provided six assists.

Reports this week suggested new Barca coach Hansi Flick was keen to keep hold of Joao Felix, but for now the attacker will return to his parent club.

Barca confirmed the news on Sunday, the final day of Joao Felix's loan contract.

Cancelo's departure was also announced. Reports suggest Barca are, as it stands, unwilling to meet City's asking price for the full-back.

Both he and Joao Felix are currently representing Portugal at Euro 2024.

Barca also announced that former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso would be leaving the club on the expiration of his deal.

The Blaugrana finished second in LaLiga in 2023-24.

Related items

  • Arsenal sign World Cup winner Caldentey from Barcelona Arsenal sign World Cup winner Caldentey from Barcelona

    Arsenal have signed Barcelona's World Cup-winning forward Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer, following the departure of Vivianne Miedema.

    The Gunners have been looking to strengthen their attacking options since announcing Miedema – the all-time leading scorer in the Women's Super League – would leave at the end of her contract. 

    They have now swooped for Caldentey after she called time on her 10-year stint with Barcelona, for whom she made 302 appearances and scored 114 goals.

    She scored 58 of those goals in the Spanish top flight, a tally only bettered by Asisat Oshoala (92), Alexia Putellas (80) and Jenni Hermoso (70) for Barcelona.

    "I think what Arsenal are doing as a club is amazing – on and off the pitch," Caldentay, who helped Spain beat England in the 2023 World Cup final, told the club's website.

    "It's been incredible to see what the club has done away from the pitch, with supporters following the team everywhere and lots of records being broken. 

    "I can't wait to get started and help the team win trophies and entertain our supporters."

  • 'Heartbroken' Leeds United confirm Gray sale to Tottenham 'Heartbroken' Leeds United confirm Gray sale to Tottenham

    Archie Gray has joined Tottenham from a "heartbroken" Leeds United in a deal reportedly worth up to £40million.

    Gray, the great nephew of Leeds great Eddie Gray, enjoyed a breakthrough season at Elland Road last season.

    The 18-year-old made 47 appearances in the Championship for Daniel Farke's team in 2023-24, as Leeds lost to Southampton in the play-off final.

    And the Whites have confirmed that a clause in the youngster's contract, which became active when Leeds failed to return to the Premier League, opened the door for teams to swoop.

    Gray seemed destined to move to Brentford over the weekend, undertaking a medical with the Bees, until Leeds rejected the payment structure of a £35m offer.

    That enabled Spurs to come in and sign the midfielder.

    Leeds posted on X that they were "heartbroken to see one of our own depart".

    In a separate transaction, however, Joe Rodon has moved from Spurs to Leeds.

    The Wales defender spent last season on loan at Elland Road.

  • Wimbledon: Raducanu inspired by England 'winning ugly' at Euro 2024 Wimbledon: Raducanu inspired by England 'winning ugly' at Euro 2024

    Emma Raducanu used England's comeback win over Slovakia at Euro 2024 as motivation ahead of her Wimbledon opener.

    Raducanu was handed a boost on Monday when her planned first-round opponent - world number 22 Ekaterina Alexandrova - withdrew due to illness.

    But the 2021 US Open champion did not put in the most convincing display as she beat lucky loser Renata Zarazua 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 on Centre Court.

    Nevertheless, Raducanu got the job done, much like Gareth Southgate's side as Jude Bellingham's stunner and Harry Kane's header secured an extra-time win over Slovakia in Germany, despite another poor display.

    Raducanu, however, believes England's progress to the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 shows that "winning ugly" is sometimes the way forward.

    "I was nervous, I think everyone could see that in my tennis, but at the end of the day you have to do whatever it takes to get over the line," said Raducanu, who wore an England shirt to practice on Sunday.

    "Honestly, watching the football [on Sunday], it was winning ugly – it all counts."

    Raducanu suggested the late switch of opponent did not help.

    "For the past three days, I've been playing and setting up practice for similar opponents and then it is a change of plan," said Raducanu.

    "It took a little bit of adjusting and finding my feet.

    "But I’d like to thank everyone for their support in the crucial moments. I enjoyed playing back here."

    Raducanu will face Elise Mertens in the next round, and is delighted to have progressed as she aims to build on a solid grass-court swing so far.

    "I said I'd be over the moon if I won my first round here, and I really am," the 21-yea

    "I feel the joy of being on site, the joy to be part of the buzz. I'm really just enjoying myself."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.