The Portuguese star Joao Felix recently expressed his admiration for FC Barcelona, which has set the media abuzz with news linking the youngster with the Catalan club.
According to Mundo Deportivo’s latest update in this regard, these statements from the player were welcomed by FC Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid did not receive these statements favorably and are not expected to facilitate his move to the Camp Nou.
However, as the Portuguese attacker is unsettled at Atletico Madrid, the capital-based club would be open to selling the player. Atletico value the player at around €80 million, but as there is no offer received for the player yet, the mattress-makers would be open to a loan offer.
Chelsea paid around €11 million for a half-year loan last winter, but the total cost of the player for the London club reached €18 million including his wages. Now, as the loan is going to be a full-year one, Atletico would be expected to get double this amount for his loan fee.
However, the Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez, does not see the signing of Joao Felix as a priority, as he is looking to strengthen other positions in the squad. However, the President, Joan Laporta, is a huge admirer of the Portuguese and wants to bring him to the Catalan club. His relationship with Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is reported to be further fuelling this desire of the President.
One possibility that can allow Barcelona to get Felix is by including players in the operation. Transferable players like Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres can be a part of such a transfer. While such an option can be contemplated by the club, this operation seems highly unlikely at this point in time.
