EDICRIC | Football News | Joao Felix to Join Barcelona? Transfer, Rumors News Update

Joao Felix to Join Barcelona? Transfer, Rumors News Update

Reports are circulating that Barcelona is showing interest in bringing Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix on board. The talented Portuguese player has openly expressed his wish to become a part of the Catalan club. Joao Felix, who spent the last season on loan at Chelsea, seems dissatisfied with his current team, Atletico Madrid and is eager to leave the Spanish champions.

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid Journey

Back in 2021, Joao Felix made a significant transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for an impressive fee of €126 million. However, his performance under Diego Simeone’s coaching hasn’t quite matched the high expectations. In a total of 81 appearances for Atletico, he managed to score only 19 goals. Moreover, he frequently found himself on the bench or as a substitute.

His loan period at Chelsea didn’t go as planned either. Both under the management of Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, Joao failed to make a strong impression. During his time with the Blues, he netted just four goals in 28 games and was not part of the squad that clinched the Champions League title.

Joao Felix, Barcelona Great Club

Joao Felix openly shared his admiration for FC Barcelona in a recent interview. I’d love to play for Barcelona” he says. “Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.

Barcelona Plans and Challenges

Sources suggest that Barcelona is actively pursuing Joao and aims to secure his talents before the transfer window closes on September 1. The club is searching for a future successor to Messi, who will be turning 35 soon. They believe that Joao Felix possesses the necessary skills and potential to fill this significant role.

However, bringing Joao Felix to Barcelona won’t be straightforward. Atletico Madrid appears unwilling to part with their record-breaking signing. Although Joao himself has indicated his desire to leave, Atletico’s president, Enrique Cerezo, has pointed out that Joao Felix is under contract until 2026. Any club wanting to acquire him will need to meet his release clause of €350 million.

Barcelona Strategy

Understanding this challenge, Barcelona is exploring options to persuade Atletico to reconsider their stance. Barcelona is reportedly considering offering some of their players in exchange. Names like Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, and Miralem Pjanic have been mentioned as potential players to be included in the deal.

The situation remains uncertain as to whether Atletico Madrid will accept any of these players or prefer to retain Joao Felix until the season’s end. The transfer saga is likely to continue until the very last moments of the deadline day, as Barcelona endeavors to make a significant move in this summer’s transfer window.