Saudi Arabian clubs lodge enquiry for 23-year-old Barcelona target – Romano

Barcelona may be walking a tightrope on the financial front, but it is clear that they refuse to take a step back as far as possible.

As the defending La Liga champions, Xavi Hernandez’s men rightfully command a set of reinforcements to take the team to the next level.

The incorporation of Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez, and Vitor Roque will go a long way on that front, but the Catalans are far from done.

Joan Laporta is a fan of Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix and sees him as an ideal signing for Xavi’s system. However, the Portuguese star’s incorporation remains difficult on the financial front.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, several clubs from Saudi Arabia have enquired about Joao Felix so far.

However, the player’s desire is to play for Barcelona and he hopes for an offer from the Spanish outfit soon.

Xavi approves the signing

The Barcelona first-team manager and the club president have not seen eye to eye on all matters in recent months, most notably on the Neymar transfer saga.

The situation was similar with Joao Felix as well, with Laporta keen on signing him, but Xavi reluctant to incorporate the Portuguese international.

However, as reported earlier today, Xavi Hernandez has given the green light for the signing of Felix from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan move.

Barcelona would cover his entire wages but do not want a purchase option included. If these conditions are met, a loan move could be possible.

FFP concerns

The Catalans have virtually completed the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City as of earlier this week but are unable to announce the same owing to Financial Fair Play concerns.

It will thus be interesting to see how they manage to accommodate the salary of Felix onto their already crowded roster.

The potential exit of Clement Lenglet and the €40 million payment from Libero Football Fund could ease the concerns as far as FFP and registration are concerned.

But, if there is no margin to accommodate Felix, a move to Saudi Arabia cannot be ruled out for the youngster.