Barcelona set to secure forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on loan deal
- Rob Fleming
- 20 July 2023
Barcelona look poised to bolster their squad by signing forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal, with a mandatory permanent transfer slated for the following year.
Spanish journalist Marc Martinez has reported that Barcelona are set to sign 23-year-old forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal during the current transfer window.
The Blaugrana will reportedly pay a loan fee of €10 million, with Atletico contributing 30% of Felix's wages. Additionally, Barcelona would have the option to sign him permanently next year for €50 million.
Since joining Atletico from Benfica four years ago in a high-profile transfer, Felix's progress has been gradual and fell short of the initial hype. A loan spell with Chelsea in the 2022/23 season didn't yield the expected results, with only four goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
Following a few well publicised disagreements with manager Diego Simeone, Felix's future at Atletico seemed uncertain. However, Barcelona's interest in his signature might offer him a lifeline.
💣 EXCLUSIVA ‼️
— Marc Martínez (@marc98martinez) July 19, 2023
💥 ¡Principio de acuerdo por Joao Felix!
‼️ Cesión + 10M€ , Atletico pagando 30% de la ficha del jugador.
💰Compra obligatoria de 50M€ la temporada que viene. pic.twitter.com/6pJ5tQmLDe
Earlier this year, financial constraints ruled out a summer move for Felix by Barcelona. Yet, the option to acquire him on loan for the 2023/24 season has now emerged, with Atletico reportedly granting permission for the move.
Felix expressed his admiration for Barcelona, revealing it to be his dream club. Despite initial doubts about his fit in the team's attack, his versatility as a right-wing option has made him an appealing prospect for coach Xavi Hernandez.
"I would love to play for Barca," Felix said according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. "Barcelona has always been my first choice and I would like to join them.
"It has been my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, if I can sign for Barca, it will be a dream come true."
Barcelona's willingness to pursue Felix on a loan deal represents an exciting opportunity for the talented Portuguese international to reignite his career and potentially secure a permanent spot at the Camp Nou.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE — João Félix statement on his future: “I’d love to play for Barça”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023
◉ “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”. pic.twitter.com/3zg9BiCDgO
