Transfer Centre

Barcelona coaching staff 'having doubts over permanent Joao Felix deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 January 2024

Barcelona coaching staff 'having doubts over permanent Felix deal'

Barcelona's coaching staff are reportedly having second thoughts when it comes to a permanent deal for on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Joao Felix's disappointing run of form for Barcelona has reportedly led to coaching staff at Camp Nou considering their stance when it comes to the Portugal international.

The 24-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, and he has been a regular for Xavi's side this season, making 22 appearances.

Felix has scored six goals and registered three assists for his loan club, but he was substituted at the interval of the team's 3-2 win over Almeria in La Liga before the winter break, before being left out of the starting side against Las Palmas in the league last time out.

The Portuguese was back in the XI against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Sunday, but he struggled to make his mark and was withdrawn in the 72nd minute.

Barcelona have said on a number of occasions this season, via president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, that they are looking to sign Felix on a permanent basis this summer.

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their second goal on November 28, 2023 © Reuters

However, according to Sport, there are 'doubts in the coaching staff' due to his disappointing form, with his impact at the club 'fading' after a bright start.

The report claims that senior figures at Barcelona remain keen to sign him this summer, with Atletico seemingly wiling to let him leave permanently at the end of the campaign.

However, Felix will allegedly have to improve his performances in the second half of the season in order to convince the coaching staff that he should be brought in on a long-term basis.

Atletico extended the forward's contract before letting him leave for Barcelona, with his terms at Wanda Metropolitano due to run until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

Barcelona attacker Joao Felix on October 28, 2023 © Reuters

Felix has largely struggled to make his mark for the Red and Whites since arriving from Benfica in 2019, only managing 34 goals and 18 assists in 131 appearances.

The Portuguese spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, scoring four goals in 20 appearances, but the Blues decided against signing him on a permanent basis.

Felix's salary at Barcelona recently increased by 900%, with the forward initially placed on a salary of £344,440 for the season in order for the La Liga champions to register him amid their financial problems.

However, La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that they had 'multiplied the remuneration agreed between Joao and FCB by 10, for Fair Play purposes', taking him up to £3,444,400 a year.

Felix is currently with the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, with the La Liga champions taking on Osasuna in the semi-finals on Thursday night.