Atletico Madrid fear another ‘soap opera’ with Joao Felix amid Barcelona uncertainty

With the summer transfer just on the horizon, Barcelona’s board will be compelled to hit the ground running, with contract extensions, potential sales, and new arrivals all under consideration.

Among the players facing an uncertain future is Joao Felix. The Portuguese is nearing the end of his loan spell and speculation surrounding him is starting to heat up.

Considering Lamine Yamal is reportedly Barcelona’s only ‘untouchable’ in the frontline, Felix’s continuity in Catalonia is hardly secure.

Atletico Madrid want to get rid of Felix for good

When Atletico paid a record-breaking amount to recruit Joao Felix from Benfica in 2019, their original goal was to centre the team around him.

But Felix has struggled to make a name for himself under Diego Simeone, which resulted in a series of loan spells and a temporary move to Barcelona last summer.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo Atletico Madrid fears a repeat of the “Joao Felix soap opera” this summer.

They aim to sell the 24-year-old forward outright and desperately want to avoid a situation where the player insists on another loan to Barcelona, as occurred last year.

Joao Felix not guaranteed to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Moreover, the report argues that the Rojiblancos’ only remaining chance to recoup their investment in Felix is for him to perform well in the upcoming Euros.

Good performances with Portugal are likely to attract bids from other teams and allow Atleti to finally pocket a transfer fee for Felix, with reports mentioning that they have set his price at approximately €60 million.

Atletico aware that Barcelona do not count on Felix

Indeed, Atletico Madrid are increasingly convinced that Barcelona have lost interest in Felix and will not go out of their way to retain his services.

Despite starting the season off strong, Felix was eventually demoted in the pecking order as coach Xavi was not content with the player’s attitude on the pitch and inconsistent performance.

And now, with the coach’s continuity, the chances of Barcelona breaking the bank on Felix appear highly improbable.