Barcelona will prefer not to cough up €80 million to sign Joao Felix in a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona will look to complete a permanent deal to sign Joao Felix in the 2024 summer transfer window. But Atletico Madrid will demand around €80 million to part ways with the Portuguese international. The reigning La Liga champions are hesitant to pay such a sum and will look for another loan move if the valuation does not change.
Joao Felix has not hit the heights his potential promised when he broke out at Benfica over half a decade ago. Pundits tipped the 23-year-old to be the next big thing, with high-profile clubs clamouring for his signature. Eventually, Atletico Madrid secured his services in a big-money deal in nine figures.
But the move has not worked out, with Felix’s performance levels not improving much. A loan spell with Chelsea did not work out either, and he returned dismayed to Atletico Madrid this past summer. However, Barcelona offered the Portuguese international an escape route by signing him on loan on Deadline Day.
Intermediaries had also offered the young attacker to Premier League bigwigs, who snubbed the opportunity. But Felix’s move to Barcelona helped him achieve his dream after he revealed it in an interview this past summer. And the player has hit the ground running at the Catalan club, raking in three goals and three assists in eight appearances thus far.
Felix’s superb start to life as a Barcelona player has paved the way for rumours that Barcelona will look to complete a permanent deal next summer. But the Portuguese international has a steep asking price that might be a stumbling block for the Blaugrana. Toni Juanmarti has shed the light on the valuation, with Atletico Madrid demanding €80 million.
Barcelona might not be in any position to fork out €80 million on one player, with the never-ending financial issues not disappearing anytime soon. The report suggests the same, with the Catalan giants reluctant to pay €80 million. Instead, they will look to agree to another loan deal if Atletico Madrid’s valuation does not change.
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However, it is unclear if the Colchoneros will accept another loan exit for Felix, considering their asking price will likely drop in 2025. They are ready to accept instalments worth just over €25 million to ease the process for Barcelona. But that might not be enough for the reigning La Liga champions to complete a permanent deal in 2024.
