Some targets will be much more complicated for FC Barcelona to pursue this summer compared to others. That is because not every operation will be completely financially driven, but some certainly will be quite dependent on economic factors. Regardless, Barcelona at least have an idea of what specific operations will demand.
One operation that the Catalan club is rather determined to get over the line is that of Joao Felix. Reportedly, both Barcelona president Joan Laporta and new head coach Hansi Flick seem to think that Felix would be a great addition to the team if he can be recovered for another season.
From Flick’s perspective, the player can be used effectively and his best version can be recovered. However, there are some issues in this particular operation that Barcelona may have to work around. Atletico Madrid, the Portuguese forward’s current parent club, is not looking to loan him again and only wants a permanent transfer.
Due to this condition, as highlighted by SPORT, Felix now has a new suitor as well. English Premier League side Aston Villa has joined this hunt for the 24-year-old forward and Unai Emery believes his side has all the resources at their disposal to make this operation a reality.
Emery seems to like Felix a lot and believes he could be a good contributor to Aston Villa if he is signed. Due to his time over in the Premier League while playing for Chelsea, despite it only being for a duration of six months, Emery seems to have taken a liking for the player that Barcelona are still in pursuit of.
Moreover, it would appear that Aston Villa have done their own research in regards to the player’s incorporation and fitting him into their salary space. For Barcelona, the financial aspect of such an operation remains a major concern, and that is why it may be frustrating to see the Premier League side maneuver their way through their own problems.
At the moment, it is clear that the player himself prioritizes a move to Barcelona. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of offers that are much more appealing to Atletico Madrid than that of Barça’s. SL Benfica joined the hunt not too long ago, and Aston Villa are only the latest entrants into the ring.