Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at loggerheads over deal for €40 million-rated forward
The future of Joao Felix remains enshrouded with an air of intrigue as we enter the final stages of the season.
After joining Barcelona on a season-long loan, Felix immediately won the fanbase over with dominant displays in quick succession. But he gradually began losing steam, performing in patches and showcasing spells of inconsistency.
As such, there are doubts creeping in at the Blaugrana headquarters about a permanent purchase.
Atletico Madrid want a mandatory buy option
Reports have previously stated that Barcelona would not be willing to spend a great deal on Felix, whose market value stands at €40 million, to make his signing permanent and instead aim to extend the Portuguese winger’s loan deal.
However, according to SPORT Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have not yet reached an agreement on a simple loan extension for Joao Felix, which is what Barça wants.
Atletico Madrid rather wishes for a second loan deal with a €50 million mandatory buy-option. The hefty price tag is what has primarily stalled the situation.
What does Joao Felix want?
As per the information, Joao Felix reportedly has no plans to quit Barcelona and join Atletico Madrid again as long as Simeone is the head coach. He is not wanted by the Atleti players or the supporters.
After a fallout with Atletico Madrid last summer, Felix went on to celebrate ecstatically against his parent club toward the end of last year.
Furthermore, the Rojiblancos are exploring selling Joao Felix to a club in Saudi Arabia, but the player is not a fan of that option.
Joao Felix believes he still has what it takes to compete in Europe and has ruled out a move to the Middle East just yet.
Superagent Jorge Mendes is trying to facilitate an agreement between the two clubs that would be beneficial for everyone involved. For now, it is still unclear whether Joao Felix will remain at Barcelona next season or not.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication
