Barcelona want to keep Joao Felix by extending his loan deal from Atletico Madrid

According to journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona plan to have Joao Felix on loan for another season.

Barcelona’s transfer plans for the upcoming summer appear to stand straight in a few aspects. Since Xavi will be on his way out, Deco is handling the matters and the sporting director is signalling the feasibility of certain transfers.

As such, the sporting director has always been in favour of the Portuguese and there are reports that the team from Catalonia is already working on his acquisition for the next season. 

For that, the player’s representative, Jorge Mendes, has already been contacted and a new agreement for a second loan is being worked upon, quite possibly with an option to buy.

Felix was the board’s signing and not Xavi’s

Last summer, Felix made the move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona on loan, marking a climactic point as the signing was one sanctioned by the board led by Joan Laporta and Deco, rather than manager Xavi Hernandez..

The crux of the controversy derived from Xavi’s reservations concerning Felix’s attributes, sensing a lack of alignment between the Portuguese’s skills and his strategic vision for the team. 

In stark contrast, Laporta & co. dedicatedly pursued Felix until the eleventh hour, persisting in their efforts even as alternative options appeared to close the gates. 

Joao Felix is on loan from Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Felix gave up a lot

Consequently, the 24-year-old forward found himself donning the colours of Barcelona.

It is crucial to understand that Felix, pursuing his dream of joining Barcelona, showed considerable determination. On one occasion, he took a public stance to express his admiration for the club. 

Furthermore, recognizing Barcelona’s financial constraints, Felix strategically opted to extend his contract with Atletico Madrid.

This tactical move allowed him to adjust his salary to align with Barcelona’s financial constraints, demonstrating a smart move to facilitate his move into the Blaugrana squad.

As of today, Felix has the support of Barcelona management and given Xavi’s impending exit, the management will solely take the calls of who stays and who does not.