Atletico Madrid: Joao Felix return to Barcelona looking increasingly difficult

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has declared a clear desire to return to Barcelona next season, and the Blaugrana have publicly made it known that this is their stance too. However several obstacles have been added to a fresh loan being agreed.

For a start, Barcelona are looking for a left winger, which is the space Felix is most likely to occupy, and if they do sign one, then they will likely be the starter there. If that does happen, then Raphinha is likely to be sold, but either way, the Brazilian would be ahead of Felix in the pecking order.

Álex Valle will be a first team player next season. He'll be the left-back alongside Alejandro Balde. @totcosta

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 4, 2024

In addition, MD note that the lack of a clear destination for Ansu Fati is another factor that could leave Felix without a spot. While Barcelona would rather look for an exit for the 21-year-old, they have his salary to contend with, and are keen not to let him leave on loan for next to nothing. They do say that nothing should be ruled out, as Diego Simeone does not want him back, and his agent Jorge Mendes has good relationships with both clubs.

📊 Jan Oblak, alongside Diego Alves, are the only two goalkeepers in history who have saved penalties from both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.@ftblofficial pic.twitter.com/ci6xckXRIo

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 3, 2024

They do not mention Benfica’s recently reported pursuit of Felix, but Atletico are keen to move the 24-year-old permanently, and that is what the Portuguese giants are offering that Barcelona cannot. Felix showed flashes of his ability last season, registering a useful 16 goal contributions, one every 134 minutes, but ultimately was dropped by Xavi Hernandez. While all the noises at Can Barca is that they feel there is more to come, the same has been said every year of Felix since he was 19.