Hansi Flick isn't up for stories. He needs a full-back and a winger, but he doesn't want them at Barça.
Both are part of the Jorge Mendes factory, which struck gold with Real Madrid's Portuguese players, and now operates with Laporta.
Willing to Take a Pay Cut to Return to Barça
Mendes and Deco have a lot of affinity. Although that seems to matter little to Hansi Flick, who is aware of the technical secretary's interest in establishing business with Portugal.
The two Joãos, Félix and Cancelo, have offered themselves to Barça and Flick has rejected them. In both cases, they are willing to undergo a substantial reduction in their current salaries.
Although he never became an undisputed starter, it's understood that João Félix misses Barça. His transfer by Chelsea, which paid Atlético 52 million for him, has been a failure.
Midway through the season, João Félix has been more of a substitute than a starter in a team of stars where he doesn't fit. He misses Barça.
João Félix Celebrated the 0-4 at Bernabéu
He celebrated the 0-4 at Bernabéu like few others, thus confirming that he retains a culé sentiment from his time in Barcelona.
Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, explains the problem: "We have many number 10s: Cole Palmer, Nkunku, João Félix... They can't all play." João Félix doesn't play.
He has played 786 minutes in 16 matches, starting only five, with 5 goals and 2 assists. However, Cole Palmer has 11 goals and 6 assists, and Nkunku 12 goals and 4 assists.
João Félix is on the losing end. He dreams of returning to Barça. He has made this known to his agent Jorge Mendes, who has also conveyed Cancelo's desire to return to Deco.
Flick Doesn't Want Joãos on His Team
However, Flick, who watched all of last season's matches on video, isn't in favor of bringing back the Portuguese players. He values Cancelo's technical level, but not his sacrifice for the team, nor the intensity of his play.
Cancelo had serious problems during his previous loan to Bayern Munich and Flick knows all the details. Additionally, he knows that he also caused some issues in the locker room.
Regarding João Félix, Flick considers that he doesn't have the speed and consistency he requires for a winger. He acknowledges his technical skills but doesn't see him fitting into his system and pressing the defenders.
Flick believes his chance has passed and doesn't open the doors of his Barça to them.