Transfer Centre

Enrique Cerezo: 'Barcelona will have chance to sign Joao Felix permanently'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 November 2023

Cerezo: 'Barcelona will have chance to sign Felix permanently'

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says that Barcelona will have the chance to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal next summer.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has said that Barcelona will have the chance to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal during next summer's transfer window.

The Portugal international's relationship with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone is believed to have broken down towards the end of last year, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea.

Felix's future was again the subject of much speculation over the summer, being linked with a number of clubs, before Barcelona signed him on loan in the latter stages of the market.

The 24-year-old has been a key player for Barcelona this season, representing the Catalan side on 14 occasions in all competitions, scoring three times and registering four assists in the process.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has said that the club want to keep both Felix and on-loan Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo with them beyond the end of the campaign.

Barcelona's Joao Felix in action with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal on October 28, 2023 © Reuters

"There is no doubt that we want to have them next season because they are valid for the squad," Deco said in an interview with RAC1.

Cerezo has confirmed that Atletico are ready to sell the player next summer but has suggested that a deal will only be possible if the La Liga champions pay the asking price.

"Joao Felix will be one of the best players in Europe, I wish him all the best at Barca," Cerezo told COPE Partidazo.

"He's on loan there but if Barca wants to sign Joao on a permanent deal, they'll have the option to make it happen for sure. Otherwise, he will return."

Barcelona's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

Felix made the move to Atletico from Benfica in the summer of 2019, and he has represented the Red and Whites on 131 occasions in all competitions, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

The Portuguese signed a new contract at Wanda Metropolitano before his departure over the summer, with his existing terms due to run until June 2029.

Cerezo has said that the club are open to having him back, but it is believed that they extended his deal with a view to selling him for a high fee next summer.

Barcelona will hope to be in a better financial position next year, which will help them in their pursuit of a permanent deal, but it remains to be seen whether an agreement can be reached.

Felix has one goal and three assists in 10 La Liga appearances this season, while he has netted twice and proved one assist in four Champions League outings.