Barcelona agree deal to sign Joao Felix for €50m

Barcelona will sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal with the obligation to land him permanently next year.

According to Spanish journalist Marc Martinez, Joao Felix will join Barcelona on loan in the ongoing transfer window. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have sealed an agreement over a deal for the Portuguese international. And the Blaugrana will pay a loan fee of €10 million, with Atletico Madrid footing 30 per cent of his wages. In addition, Barcelona will sign him permanently for €50 million.

Joao Felix has only made gradual progress since joining Atletico Madrid from Benfica four years ago. The 23-year-old arrived at the Spanish club in a nine-figure deal but has not justified the hype surrounding him thus far. And a loan stint with Chelsea in the second half of the 2022/23 season did not work either.

The Portuguese international has turned out 31 times thus far for his national side. Meanwhile, Felix managed only four goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea. And after returning to Atletico Madrid, his future is uncertain, as he does not feature in Diego Simeone’s plans after a few run-ins. But the player might have a lifeline, with Barcelona eyeing his signature.

Barcelona reportedly ruled out a summer move for Felix earlier this year due to the finances involved in a deal. But they might not have envisioned the option of signing the youngster on loan for the 2023/24 season. And Atletico Madrid recently gave the green light to Barcelona to land the player in the ongoing transfer window.

The update came in the wake of Felix’s comments this week, as he revealed his dream club to be Barcelona. And while at first glance, it might not seem that the 31-cap Portuguese international is an ideal fit in the Barcelona attack, his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for Xavi Hernandez.

The 23-year-old can be an option for the right-wing berth. So it is hardly surprising why Barcelona might be keen on securing Felix’s services. And the Catalan giants have now agreed to a loan deal with Atletico Madrid for the player. The arrangement includes an obligation clause worth €50 million.

In addition, Barcelona will pay a loan fee of €10 million, with Atletico Madrid footing 30 per cent of Felix’s wages. Meanwhile, the reliable Manu Sainz has also suggested the 23-year-old is on the verge of moving to the Catalan club. So the Portuguese international will soon realise his dream of playing for Barcelona.