Joao Felix has been quick to gain admirers at FC Barcelona. The Portuguese international arrived only on the last day of the summer transfer window but has already become an important part of Xavi’s squad and has impressed the dressing room and sporting staff with his quick adaptation to the club and Xavi’s training and playing methods.
However, it should be kept in mind that Felix is still only on loan at Barcelona and is liable to return to Atletico Madrid once the current season ends. This is a problem that the Catalans will be working on before the next summer transfer window opens.
Felix indisputable for Xavi
Currently, Felix is indisputable for Xavi and is played both as a winger and as the most advanced player in the square that the Barcelona coach opts for his midfield structure sometimes. He has already featured in eight games for his new club, starting seven games in which he has scored three goals and given another three assists.
These numbers and performances vindicate Deco and Laporta for their pursuit of Felix during the transfer window, and according to SPORT, Barcelona have already decided to do everything possible to ensure that the Portuguese international stays at the club even after his current loan contract expires.
Updated salary
For this reason, the Catalans have also decided to update his salary. Felix made a great sacrifice to join Barcelona, as he was signed for only €400,000, a figure much lower than what players in Felix’s bracket earn.
However, La Liga still estimated Felix’s salary at €4 million, and this is exactly the figure that Felix now earns at Barcelona, and the club’s FFP is not impacted by this raise. Nevertheless, this updated salary is still lower than the €8 million that he received from Atletico.
Now, the most significant barrier to Barcelona getting the forward permanently is the fee that Atletico would want for him. The Madrid club paid €127 million to Benfica to get him, and they want to recover an important part of this investment before letting Felix leave permanently.
Felix’s contract runs till 2029, and keeping in view the club’s problems with FFP, the Catalans can consider a renewal of this loan contract. However, there is a lot of time left and it remains uncertain how Barcelona will try to get the forward. But there is no doubt that the Catalans want Felix to remain with them beyond this loan period.
