In his short stint at FC Barcelona, Joao Felix continues to divide opinions, much like he did in the past at Atletico Madrid.
Having arrived at the club on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer, the Portuguese international made a strong start to life in Catalonia. But the inconsistencies that plagued him throughout his stint in Spain have caught up with the 24-year-old once again.
Apart from the match-winning display against his parent club, Joao Felix has largely been uninspiring in recent weeks, casting aspersions over whether the Blaugrana should sign him permanently at the end of the season.
But, according to journalist Javi Miguel, Joao Felix continues to have the support of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who continues to see the 24-year-old as his ‘personal bet’.
Laporta was unhappy with Joao Felix’s substitution vs Almeria
Joao Felix did not have the best of games against UD Almeria last night as his presence was hardly felt on the pitch during the first period.
The 24-year-old did not offer much in the sense of attacking threat nor was he putting in the hard yards off the ball, prompting Xavi to hook him off at half-time for Ferran Torres.
But, as per the report from Javi Miguel, Barcelona president Laporta was unhappy with Joao Felix’s substitution at half-time and spent a good part of the second half complaining about it in the box.
Debate over Joao Felix’s permanent signing
In light of Joao Felix’s inconsistent displays, there is a debate raging over whether Barcelona should sign him permanently, especially given that the costs involved will be high.
But, club president Laporta maintains such blind trust in the Portuguese ace that he is ready to go big on his permanent transfer in the summer.
There are some executives and directors within the board that do not see things the same way and even Deco would be willing to turn his back on a permanent transfer if the Portuguese ace’s performances are not up to the mark.
It must also be remembered that Xavi never wanted Joao Felix as his first-choice signing in the summer.
But, with Laporta continuing to see him as a ‘personal bet’ and professing his desire to make the Portuguese’s signing permanent, it remains to be seen how things work out.
