Transfer Centre

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix emerges as summer target for Barcelona?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 30 January 2023

Barcelona reportedly consider a summer move for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, who is on loan at Chelsea until the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix - currently on loan at Chelsea - is reportedly a summer transfer target for Barcelona.

The 23-year-old's relationship with Rojiblancos manager Diego Simeone deteriorated towards the end of 2022, and he was given the green light to join Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season.

The Blues beat Arsenal to the temporary signing of Felix, but he endured a nightmare debut against Fulham, receiving a straight red card for a high tackle on Kenny Tete in a 2-1 defeat.

The Portugal international will serve the final game of his suspension against the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge on Friday, and his loan does not include an option or obligation to buy.

With Chelsea bringing in Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana on permanent deals during a hectic period of January spending, Felix is set to return to Atletico at the end of the season.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023 © Reuters

The ex-Benfica starlet extended his deal with the Madrid giants until 2027 before making the switch to Stamford Bridge, but his long-term future remains shrouded in uncertainty.

According to Sport, Barcelona could try again for Felix during the summer transfer window should the attacker seek a permanent departure from Atletico at the end of the campaign.

La Blaugrana supposedly brought up Felix's name during negotiations to offload Antoine Griezmann back to Atletico, but the Rojiblancos refused and instead offered Saul Niguez as part of the deal.

However, the report states that Xavi's side have not given up hope of bringing Felix to Catalonia, and the player himself considers Barcelona as one of his preferred options for a permanent exit.

Barcelona and Atletico have forged a strong relationship following the transfer of Memphis Depay this month, and the Catalan side also work closely with Felix's agent Jorge Mendes.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on the bench on October 12, 2022 © Reuters

Felix has amassed 34 goals and 18 assists from 131 matches in an Atletico shirt since making the £112m move from Benfica in 2019, winning the La Liga title in the 2020-21 campaign.

The Portuguese attacker has sat out fixtures with Crystal Palace and Liverpool through suspension, but he will be eligible to return when Chelsea meet West Ham United in a London derby on February 11.

Barcelona reinforced their attack with the summer signings of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, but the latter has already been linked with an exit after struggling to nail down a regular starting role.

Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati's long-term futures are also being called into question, while Ousmane Dembele has now entered the final 18 months of his contract.

The Frenchman has been a regular for Xavi this season, but he is now understood to be facing two to four weeks out with a thigh injury sustained in Saturday's 1-0 win over Girona in La Liga.