While FC Barcelona remain occupied with the ongoing season, the future does not wait for anyone. The Catalan club is a massive organization with equally massive ambitions and aspirations. To meet such demanding objectives, it pays to look ahead and make decisions for the future.
One of the key matters that Barcelona will undoubtedly have to deal with in the summer will be the case of Joao Felix. The Portuguese star is currently on loan at Barcelona and not exactly a permanent resident. His permanent club, Atletico Madrid, is not exactly known for being easy negotiators, however.
Despite this, SPORT reports that Barcelona may just find them to be more than accepting of certain terms. Atletico Madrid are reportedly unwilling to continue with Felix and would like his name off the books as soon as possible.
His initial arrival at Barcelona was done on some very favorable terms for the Catalan giants. However, at this point in time, it seems unlikely that Barça would be able to pay out his significant transfer fee that Atletico will demand in the summer of 2024.
As such, the Madrid-based outfit could be open to an extension of the loan. This would allow Barcelona to retain Felix for another campaign without having to pay any significant transfer fees. As per SPORT, Diego Simeone is unwilling to cater to Felix during the pre-season and wants his future sorted before that.
Barcelona are well-aware of the situation and believe it exists with all the cards on their table. Felix wishes to stay at Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid wish for him to stay away. Barça would like to retain him, but only on the condition that the final economic package that they pay up for him is sustainable for them.
For now, despite Felix’s lack of goals, Barcelona maintain faith in him. Deco believes he can be important for the future of the club, and is thus willing to retain him. Atletico Madrid could look to put a purchase option in the scenario of an extended loan, but all of that is still to be seen.
SPORT believes that the next few months will be crucial in dictating Felix’s future. Atletico Madrid would prefer to sort out a solution as early as possible in order to not leave any openings for a longer soap opera in the summer.
