‘Everyone’s happy’ – Atletico Madrid president hints Joao Felix will stay at Barcelona

Every chance that he gets, Joao Felix makes it clear that he wants to remain at Barcelona beyond the ongoing season.

Having joined the Catalans from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal, the Portuguese international has come good at his temporary home.

Even though there have been bouts of inconsistencies, the 24-year-old has come up clutch in some important moments.

During an interview earlier this week, the attacker once again reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona, saying:

“We’ll see what happens next year, my family is happy and I’m happy. I would like to stay but it doesn’t depend on me.”

Atletico Madrid president hints at Joao Felix stay at Barcelona

Now, speaking at a public appearance, Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico Madrid, has dropped a major hint that Joao Felix will be staying at Barcelona beyond this season.

“He is playing for Barcelona and it is normal that he wants to stay there. Barcelona want him and he wants to stay there, so everyone is happy,” said Cerezo, as quoted by SPORT.

“Apart from that, they will be lucky because Barcelona are keeping a magnificent and great player. Joao is a magnificent player.”

Enrique Cerezo (L) praised Joao Felix. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Atletico Madrid president then went on to wish luck to the Portuguese forward while also stating that he does not know how much the Rojiblancos will get from his departure.

“He has fitted in very well at Barcelona, he is doing very well, and what we wish him is all the luck in the world,” he said.

“I don’t know how much Atleti would get for him. That’s something you have to ask the economics people, I’m a sports person.”

Loan extension or permanent deal?

It has been abundantly clear for a while that Barcelona and Joao Felix wish to continue their partnership beyond this season. With Diego Simeone still in charge at Atletico, there is no way back for the forward at the Spanish capital club either.

So, a mutually beneficial agreement would be the best way forward for all parties. The bone of contention, though, appears to be the type of operation.

Barcelona want to retain Joao on a loan deal again, albeit potentially with a purchase option, but Atletico want to offload him permanently.

It remains to be seen which way the wind sways, although recent reports suggest that Atleti might give in and accept another loan deal.