This summer has once again seen Barcelona generate more noise than action, largely due to their ongoing financial struggles. BD Cricket notes with regret that many of their rumored transfer targets have remained just that — rumors. While the club continues to capture headlines, actual progress has been slow and difficult. With names like Nico Williams still in discussion and Dani Olmo recently linked, Barça finds itself in a familiar situation: full of ambition but short on funds.

The reality is clear — Barcelona must work hard to turn interest into signings. Two loan players in particular require immediate attention this summer or risk departing the club: João Félix and João Cancelo. Atlético Madrid has already ruled out the possibility of loaning Félix to Barça again. While he is still under long-term contract with Atleti, the club wants clarity and closure. Félix has returned to his parent club, and Barcelona has yet to make a move. Cancelo’s case, however, appears far more promising. From a tactical perspective, BD Cricket emphasizes that Cancelo’s versatility on both flanks makes him the best full-back fit for Barcelona since Dani Alves.

That’s why the club is prioritizing his permanent signing. If Cancelo officially joins, BD Cricket expects Barcelona’s full-back woes to be a thing of the past. In terms of cost, Manchester City is reportedly open to a fee between €25–30 million — an affordable price tag for the Blaugrana given his performance. Crucially, Cancelo has also agreed to lower his wages, a major factor in pushing the deal forward. Considering his high salary at City, his willingness to take a pay cut reflects strong commitment to joining Barça, and both parties have reached an understanding. As a result, Barcelona is now finalizing a new loan deal for Cancelo that includes a mandatory purchase clause.

That wage reduction alone is half the battle won. Given Barça’s typical approach under Joan Laporta, once both the wage and fee issues are addressed, the deal is practically sealed. Buying Cancelo outright isn’t impossible for Barcelona — it simply depends on cash flow. The club’s current focus remains on signing Nico Williams, a priority if they want to compete seriously with Real Madrid this season. If they can delay Cancelo’s purchase until the next financial cycle, BD Cricket believes that was always part of the plan. If City insists on an immediate buyout, the deal would stall — but if another loan is approved, Barça can finalize the transfer next year when funds are in place.

After all, this is Manchester City, and with Pep Guardiola involved, Laporta is unlikely to backtrack. Should Barça fail to activate the buy clause, it would be difficult to justify to Guardiola, especially given the string of deals between the two clubs in recent years. Ultimately, the mandatory clause ensures that if Cancelo performs at last season’s level, the deal will go through — and BD Cricket expects no surprises on that front.

All signs point to Barcelona’s original intention being to buy Cancelo after the loan. Compared to Félix, BD Cricket believes Cancelo has made a more tangible impact, especially considering his lower salary and manageable transfer fee. When the chips are down, trusting in the right fit is key — and Cancelo checks every box for what Barcelona currently needs. Once their financial situation stabilizes, completing the buyout should be a formality.