It is no secret that FC Barcelona have been looking to bring in quality depth to the center-forward position for some time now. Prior to bringing in Robert Lewandowski last summer, they lacked a world-class focal point spearheading the frontline.
Now that the Polish international is scoring for fun and playing relentlessly, the Catalan club needs a backup and successor for their primary talisman.
Having followed the likes of Vitor Roque and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang as their primary options to reinforce their attack and add to their depth, both operations have more or less remained constantly reported upon since their initial news. Now, there has been a new name added to the mix, and one that has garnered a mixed response.
As per SPORT, the name of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is one that can be considered a potential signing. However, the report also indicates that the Portuguese forward, currently on loan at Premier League side Chelsea, does not garner sporting agreement or acknowledgment from the coaches at FC Barcelona.
Despite coming in for a record fee to Atletico Madrid from SL Benfica in 2019, the 23-year-old star has failed to live up to the expectations held of him when he first arrived. Now on loan at Chelsea, his time in the English Premier League has been a mixed one as well.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has recently indicated in an interview that the player would be free to leave should he choose to, and reports suggest that the club would be willing to let go of him on rather feasible economic grounds from FC Barcelona’s perspective, but it seems it is still not enough for Xavi Hernandez and co. to go after him, despite suggestions that he would be open to joining the Catalans.
The player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is currently involved in multiple transfer operations and contract-related negotiations with FC Barcelona, and could likely try to put in a good word for his client who he already has been close to bringing to Barcelona on various previous occasions as well.
A new proposal would not be a surprise from the agent’s side, but for now, it seems Barcelona do not hold any particular interest in the Portuguese forward.
