Another loan for Joao Felix? Portugal star set to stay at Barcelona as La Liga champions settle for temporary deal with Atletico Madrid

Posted Sunday, December 24, 2023 by Goal.com

Barcelona will explore another loan for Joao Felix as they look to keep their Portuguese star beyond this season.

Barcelona want to keep Joao Felix after his loan
Another loan may be the only option for Barca
Finance troubles may prevent permanent deal

WHAT HAPPENED?

Felix and Barcelona will both be looking to extend the Portuguese star's stay at Camp Nou, but the club's finances may pose a stumbling block for the Blaugrana. In their current situation, Barcelona won't be able to sanction deals for both Felix and Joao Cancelo and would need Atletico to agree to another loan. However, this may only be possible if Felix extends his contact at Atletico to maintain his sale value to the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Felix, cut adrift from Ateltico, only furthered the distance between himself and his parent club after scoring in the game between the sides. Following his goal, Diego Simeone refused to acknowledge his former player who he struggled to get a tune out of. Despite this, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said Felix will return to Atletico should Barcelona not sign the player permanently.

DID YOU KNOW?

Joao Felix is the second most expensive teenage signing in football history, behind Kylian Mbappe. Despite the high fee, Felix has failed to live up to the high expectations and been sent out on two loans.

WHAT NEXT FOR FELIX AND BARCELONA?

Barcelona return to La Liga action against Las Palmas in the new year and will be hoping to improve in the second half of the season. Felix has struggled for form but has shown positive signs - he will need to do more to seal a more permanent move.