According to a breaking update from David Bernabeu Reverter, Joao Felix is the closest to signing for Barcelona of the various options on their table. The required discussions have already begun.
The Catalans are on the verge of losing one of their most valuable forwards soon, with Ousmane Dembele having his heart set on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona will receive around €27 million from the €50 million that PSG will pay for the player.
That, coupled with the space cleared on the wage bill, could give the club enough room to sign a forward and a right-back.
Silva the desired target, but Felix more attainable
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has closely been monitoring the situations of Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix in recent weeks as possible signings for this summer.
However, both operations were placed on hold given the tight finances.
But with Dembele’s departure now near, the Catalans are now deliberating between the two Portuguese stars.
While the Manchester City player is the dream target for the Blaugrana, Felix’s transfer appears to be the easier one to complete.
Felix and Diego Simeone’s relationship is complicated, to say the least, and it is safe to say that Los Rojiblancos do not see him as part of their plans.
The Blaugrana could look to use the tense situation to their advantage as he could be more attainable than Silva, who will cost at least €80 million.
A stylistic misfit?
While Felix’s talent is not questionable, there are concerns over where the youngster would fit into Xavi’s dynamics.
As a natural second-striker, the 23-year-old would not serve as a winger as the manager expects. Further, he could clash directly with the likes of Gavi and Pedri for a starting spot.
The Atletico Madrid star does not have a recent history of good form to back his signing either, and it is clear that Barcelona will be taking a gamble by incorporating him.