Barcelona have already arguably exceeded expectations with the plethora of talent they managed to secure this summer. From the likes of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan to Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque, various top talents are being recruited.
However, in a recent development, the name of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has begun to spiral out of control in terms of his links with Barcelona. Having spoken out publicly about the Catalan giants having always been a dream club of his and how he would love to join them, it now seems like an operation that Barcelona could potentially have on their table.
Yet, simply because a big name is out of favor at his current club and name-calls Barcelona, does not automatically mean La Blaugrana should pursue him. Instead, as has been highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, there are some key advantages and disadvantages to the potential signing of the 23-year-old Portuguese star.
Advantages:
- Age and Ability:
The player is young and able already at 23 years of age, and with his explosive ability to take one-on-ones, possess solid shooting and finishing capability, as well as possessing attacking creativity, the youngster is definitely a brilliant offensive asset.
- Versatility:
As the Portuguese star has displayed across his time with Portugal’s National team, Atletico Madrid and most recently Chelsea, he is undoubtedly a versatile forward. Whether he has to be deployed as a false 9, a focal center-forward, or on either of the wings, the player possesses the ability to adapt to any position along with the other forwards.
- Desire to become a Blaugrana:
As he has already openly stated, despite currently being contracted to Atletico Madrid until 2027, the forward is keen on making the move to FC Barcelona and simultaneously has voiced his opinion of the team as being his ‘dream team’ since he had been a child.
Disadvantages:
- Unfeasible Price and negotiating with Atleti:
Despite already being in a rather vulnerable financial situation, the added dilemma of possibly having to go for another player that could potentially cost the Catalan club an exorbitant amount to bring in, becomes an unfeasible dream at best.
When Atletico Madrid themselves acquired the Portuguese star, he became their most expensive transfer ever, something they will definitely keep in mind when negotiating a possible transfer.
- Questionable influence:
Given the current ongoing problems at Atletico Madrid between Joao Felix and Diego Simeone, it is evident that while both individuals try to downplay the theory that there is tension between the two, the player must have had problems with the coach. It is not a confirmed aspect of the player’s thought, so must be taken with a pinch of salt given that the credibility of reports can vary.
- Plagued with inconsistency:
One of those flashy stars that tend to make great highlights when they are at their best, but unfortunately do not manage to consistently showcase their best self from game to game.
During his time at SL Benfica, the youngster was hinted to become one of the next big stars of global football, and yet it’s safe to say he is still far off from consistently showcasing that, something that he may be able to turn around at FC Barcelona.
