€50 million-rated forward could go to Saudi Arabia if Barcelona move doesn’t materialise – Romano

Barcelona are working round the clock to complete their team planning before the transfer market shuts shop.

The club are close to making a breakthrough in the deal to sign Joao Cancelo on loan, though they may have to wait a little longer to confirm the deal.

Another major target for Barça in the remaining days of the market is Joao Felix, as Xavi looks to reinforce his options in the attacking unit.

Joao Felix could move to Saudi Arabia

Joao Felix has been linked with a move to Barcelona ever since he expressed his desire to play for the Catalans, earlier this summer.

However, Barça’s technical staff were not completely on board with the idea of signing the Atletico Madrid forward, with Xavi having doubts about the player.

But earlier this week, Xavi did give his approval to sign Felix on a loan deal. However, things are coming in a little too late, as far as Barcelona are concerned.

That is because Saudi Arabia are trying to push ahead to sign the Portuguese international by the end of the month.

According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t FCB World), Felix will be open to a move to the Middle East if the Barcelona move does not work out.

It appears the Atleti forward is not willing to wait out any longer as he looks at the possibility of missing out on the chance to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

With Barcelona yet to even confirm Cancelo, it remains to be seen whether or not the club can secure an agreement for Felix’s loan deal.

A lot could depend on the fresh revenue Barça are expecting from Libero Football Finance, the entity that acquired a 9.7% stake in Barça Vision earlier in the month.

If the German fund fail to meet the payment deadline, Barcelona might not be able to afford to sign Felix this summer.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.