Transfer Twist: Barcelona target registered by his current club, given No. 21 shirt

Barcelona’s transfer window is still open, and the club is actively pursuing additional attacking options. Despite the uncertainty surrounding some players, there is still hope that they can bring in new talent to strengthen the squad.

One of the players linked to Barcelona is Joao Felix. Although there hasn’t been much public discussion about his potential move to the club, it is clear that Barcelona have maintained an interest in signing him. 

Recent developments, however, suggest that Atletico Madrid, Felix’s current club, are moving forward with plans to transfer him elsewhere.

Atletico have given Felix a new squad number

A report from SPORT indicates that Atletico Madrid have registered Felix with La Liga, assigning him the number 21. This move is seen as a key bureaucratic step, possibly paving the way for his transfer to Chelsea. 

Negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are ongoing, with a potential transfer fee of €52 million being discussed. 

Joao Felix is close to moving to Chelsea. (Photo by BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid intends to use €40 million of this amount to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, while also benefiting from the removal of Felix’s salary from their books, which would significantly improve their financial fair play situation.

With Felix’s registration complete, his salary is now accounted for, allowing Atletico Madrid to proceed with the transfer. 

However, it is still possible that Felix could feature in Atletico Madrid’s squad for upcoming matches, including their game against Villarreal on Monday before his move is finalised.

Barcelona transfer on hold

Jorge Mendes, Felix’s agent, is reportedly playing a crucial role in ensuring all the details of the transfer are sorted out. 

All signs currently point towards Felix joining Chelsea, meaning that any potential loan move to Barcelona will likely be put on hold.

Interestingly, Felix is still listed on Barcelona’s official website as a member of the squad, despite the widespread belief that his continuity with the club has been ruled out. 

This situation adds a layer of intrigue, as it remains unclear why he is still associated with Barcelona even as his departure seems imminent.