Report – 24-year-old La Liga forward moving further away from Barcelona

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix spent the last season on loan at FC Barcelona enjoying a mixed season during which he showed glimpses of his quality but inconsistently.

With the loan spell coming to an end, Joao Felix is now primed to return to Atletico, an option that the Portuguese forward does not want as he has been harbouring hopes of a move back to Barça.

The Blaugrana, for their part, were also eager to bring Joao Felix back to the club but things have changed drastically in recent weeks.

Joao Felix closer to Benfica

Now, SPORT reports that Joao Felix is moving further and further away from Barcelona and a return to his former club, SL Benfica, could be much closer for the forward.

As of next week, once he returns from his post Euro holidays, the attacker should already have his future decided.

Returning to Benfica? (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

The lack of offers from English clubs and the advanced negotiations with the Portuguese side bring him closer to a possible return to his former home.

Negotiations with Benfica are going well, but Atletico Madrid are not making things easy. Los Rojiblancos refuse to value Joao Felix below €60 million, so they want to receive at least €30 million for 50% of the player’s rights.

Benfica even admitted to have reached this value, as reported from Portugal, with the inclusion of variables in the deal.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, Joao Felix does not appear to be a priority any longer with the club plotting moves for Nico Williams and Dani Olmo to reinforce their attacking units.

As such, the chances of Felix returning to Catalonia appear slim and a return to Benfica appears to be on the cards.