Despite finances being a burr in the saddle for Barcelona last summer, the Catalans managed to cap off their transfer window with the dramatic deadline-day signings of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who both arrived on loan.
Felix’s start to life in Barcelona could not have gone any better, as he shone in his initial encounters against Real Betis and Royal Antwerp.
But as of late, his contributions have begun to run dry, and the possibility of making his temporary stay a permanent one is looking less and less likely, given the extreme demands of Atletico Madrid.
Atletico have named their price
As per MARCA, Atletico Madrid would negotiate the permanent sale of Joao Felix with Barcelona for an amount of around €70-80 million at the very least.
The Rojiblancos do not look at Felix’s return favorably, with the Portuguese previously falling out of favour with manager Diego Simeone.
Still, having paid a grand fee of €126 million to Benfica in 2019, Atleti wishes to set a price that will help recover some of the sum they paid for him.
While the Spanish club recognizes the signing as a mistake, with waves of inconsistency holding sway, they are unwilling to set a low price for him in the market just yet.
Barcelona’s position
Barcelona, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position owing to their financial state.
Although Felix started with flying colours, his recent performances do not justify paying an amount in that region, especially considering they are cash-strapped.
Nonetheless, an affordable price would compel the Catalans to make an effort to retain the winger.
A prior report claimed that Barcelona and Joao Felix have already agreed to a deal if they have any space in financial fair play and if Atletico Madrid offers him a fair price.
The season is long, and Felix’s performances will continue to be scrutinized by the hierarchies as his future looks to be up in the air.
