Welcome to Catalunya, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo will play for Barcelona

Joan Laporta did it. Barcelona's president had to work hard and with little time during the last few days to satisfy Xavi Hernandez's wishes. The coach had made two very clear requests: he needed a right-back and an attacking midfielder or forward to feel satisfied with the squad to compete in La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

The negotiations were not easy. Barcelona have long had serious financial problems that prevent them from spending a lot of money on signings and salaries. That is why all the players who arrived did so as free agents or in low-cost negotiations, such as Iñigo Martínez, Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan. And now Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix have been added.

The Portuguese right-back was a priority for Xavi, as he did not have too many alternatives in that area of the field. In the last few days, Los Culés reached an agreement with Manchester City for a season-long loan and all that was left was to solve financial fair play issues. In addition, the player's predisposition was key, as he accepted a very significant reduction in his salary to join Barcelona.

And something similar happened with Joao Felix. His situation at Atlético Madrid was not comfortable, since coach Diego Simeone did not want him to remain in the squad and did not use him in any of the 3 games of the season. That is why Los Colchoneros considered Barcelona's loan offer positive, while the player also accepted to lower his salary in order to fulfill his dream of playing for the Catalan club.

They are in Catalonia

During Friday afternoon Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix flew to Barcelona and were staying in a hotel, waiting for the club to agree the last details with Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, respectively. They then went to Ciutat Esportiva, Barcelona's training complex, where they signed their contracts. Both arrived on loan for one year and without a buyout clause.