What next for Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo?! Confusion reigns as Barcelona delete statements announcing exits of loan stars

Barcelona announced on Sunday that they would be allowing both Felix and Cancelo to return to parent clubs Atletico Madrid and Manchester City respectively, having also confirmed Marcos Alonso's departure. Both statements have since been removed from their official website.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the situation surrounding Cancelo and Felix remains open and that negotiations over their futures will continue. In 2023/24, Cancelo made 42 appearances in all competitions, while Felix played 44 times. New manager Hansi Flixk is reported to be interested in re-signing Felix, at least.

It remains to be seen if Barcelona will try to strike permanent deals for both Cancelo and Felix, or if they will merely attempt to sign both on loan again. Felix provided 16 goals, either scoring or assisting, while Cancelo provided nine.

Some clarity will surely come soon, but Barcelona's announcement of the duo's exit, and then their U-turn, suggests that confusion reigns in the Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the club are said to be interested in a shock deal to sign Hull City star Jaden Philogene.