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At the start of 2023/24, Barcelona desperately sought quality reinforcements in both attack and the backline after a chaotic start to their title defence.
Thankfully, in the dying embers of the summer transfer market, Joan Laporta was able to pull some favours and sign the two ‘Joaos’- Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on loan, from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively.
Two talented footballers, devoid of trust and faith shown by their clubs, the duo found solace at the club of their dreams.
Initially, it seemed like a smart piece of business by Barcelona. With Cancelo, the team had an established right-back for the first time since Dani Alves. Even though a tad fragile defensively, he was a treat to watch with his marauding attacking movement.
The same can be said about Felix. He fit in perfectly as a more offensive option on the left of Xavi’s four-man midfield, turning defence into attack in an instant and combining with devastating effect with Robert Lewandowski up front.
Their incredible impact was on full display during Barcelona’s five-star performance against Royal Antwerp in the first match of their Champions League campaign.
Having cashed in on their motivation and burning desire to resurrect their careers, talks even began with their respective parent clubs to extend the stay of the two Portuguese internationals beyond the season.
However, fast forward to this day, the ‘Joaos’ are not guaranteed to continue at the club. The long and gruelling season endured by Barcelona brought out their inefficiencies for all to see. Some proved to be extremely costly too.
While an argument could be made for Cancelo and Felix to have done their bit in proportion to the ‘low-cost, reasonable reward’ nature of their transfer, there are reasons to believe the club seems better off without the duo.
Defensive Fragility
It’s no secret that Cancelo and Felix are two of the most talented players in their positions. However, as Barcelona found out…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-reasons-why-barcelona-should-not-retain-joao-felix-and-joao-cancelo/
Author : Aryaman Sharma
Publish date : 2024-06-11 14:44:47
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