Joao Felix has become an integral part of the FC Barcelona squad. The Portuguese has assimilated well within the squad and the fans of the Catalan club love Felix’s passion for the club. Barca sees Felix as a big star of the future and would try their best to sign the young talent permanently.
šØ Barcelona does not intend to pay more than ā¬25M for JoĆ£o FĆ©lix! āš°
(Source: @10JoseAlvarez) pic.twitter.com/RPKkiPoHGD
ā Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 6, 2023
However, it is Felix’s parent club’s valuation of the player that might jeopardize the transfer. Atletico Madrid does not intend to listen to offers below the region of $86 million for the Portuguese. Joao Felix has a contract with the Los Colchoneros that runs till the end of 2029.
Joao Felix moved to FC Barcelona on an initial loan deal of one year, in the summer of 2023. The 24-year-old Had fallen out with Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone as he reportedly did not like the Argentine’s coaching methods. He hadn’t started much for the Madrid club in the 23/24 La Liga season as his future was uncertain.
The Portuguese tried desperately to force a move out of Atletico. He even openly professed his love for Barca, much to the dismay of the Atleti fans.
šØ EXCLUSIVE ā JoĆ£o FĆ©lix statement on his future: āIād love to play for BarƧaā.
ā āBarcelona has always been my first choice and Iād love to join BarƧaā.
ā āIt was always my dream since I was a kidā.
ā āIf it happens, it will be a dream come true for meā. pic.twitter.com/3zg9BiCDgO
ā Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023
Xavi, the coach of Barca loves Felix too and would love to keep the Portuguese beyond 2024. This is what Xavi said to ESPN about the player on loan, ahead of the game against Atleti:
“I am delighted with his performances and how he has adapted to the team. I wasn’t at AtlĆ©tico with him. Here we have seen a really happy JoĆ£o FĆ©lix, hard-working, dynamic, loved in the dressing room, and a joker. He works hard for the team and scores important goals. I have no complaints.” Felix has certainly impressed the ex-Barcelona midfielder.
Joao Felix scores the winner and celebrates against Atletico Madrid
FC Barcelona has secured a clinical 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in a La Liga game held on December 4, 2023. And it was none other than Joao Felix who applied the finish to sink Atleti’s hopes of a win at Barca’s home for the first time in 12 years.
JOAO FELIX GOAL VS ATLĆTICO! šŖ pic.twitter.com/XwWV55LiOY
ā š (@total10i) December 3, 2023
The Portuguese’s finish was out of this world. To loft the ball over an advancing goalkeeper of the stature of Jan Oblak is truly remarkable. His celebration prompted some wild reactions at the stadium.
Felix’s goal meant that Barca went ahead to sit 3rd ahead of Atleti on 4th in The La Liga table at the end of matchday 15. Atletico Madrid has played one match less than La Blaugrana.
šµš“ JoĆ£o FĆ©lix: āEvery single week they speak about me. Iām always a topic in the media but Iām calmā.
āI donāt look at what they say. Iām only working hard to improveā.
āLet me say thanks to BarƧa, they welcomed me in the best wayā. pic.twitter.com/CL7qXAgLqX
ā Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2023
Joao Felix hit out at the media and Atleti’s fans after the match. Speaking at the press conference, the Portuguese said, āEvery single week they speak about me. Iām always a topic in the media but Iām calm. I donāt look at what they say. Iām only working hard to improve. Let me say thanks to Barca, they welcomed me in the best way.ā
It is very unclear whether Joao Felix will be allowed to wear the Rojiblanco jersey of Atletico Madrid, after his antics on the pitch on Monday. Joan Laporta and Co. at Barca do not intend to match Atleti’s valuation as the club has tightened its budget. Barca will need to devise new plans to arrange funds, as Atletico does not seem to be in the mood for any negotiation.
