Barcelona will activate ‘Operation Joao Felix’ in the next 48 hours – Romano

As deadline day nears, Barcelona are edging closer to another panicky finish. The Catalans are already in a race against time to complete the signing of Joao Cancelo, but that does not appear to satiate the Catalans.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are still eyeing Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix.

They plan to activate the operation for his transfer in the next 48 hours, and the board are working to find a solution to make it happen with Financial Fair Play restrictions.

The Portuguese starlet only dreams of a move to Catalonia and has not changed his stance since publicly revealing his desire.

He will only consider a move to other clubs or Saudi Arabia if the Barça deal collapses.

Cutting a sorry figure

Atletico Madrid have enjoyed a strong start to their 2023-24 campaign with two wins and one draw in three appearances. Most recently, they hammered seven goal past a helpless Rayo Vallecano.

Yet, Felix has had little to contribute for Diego Simeone’s side. He did not even make the squad for Los Rojiblancos’ game against Real Betis and stayed on the bench for the two remaining games.

A photo of Felix sitting on the bench, clearly in despair, has been making the rounds since Atleti’s 7-0 win and it is clear that the player is far from happy at the Spanish capital.

With Simeone no longer counting on him, a transfer may be the best solution.

Barcelona awaiting financial injection

Despite having everything in place to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, the Blaugranas have been unable to proceed owing to their FFP situation.

They are optimistic about the situation considering the €20 million payment they are due from a German party. However, there has been a significant delay in the same.

According to reports yesterday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and treasurer Ferran Olive are ready to provide a €30 million personal guarantee if the delay persists.

That, coupled with the possible departure of Ansu Fati might generate enough margin for the Catalan giants to sign Joao Felix in addition to the right-back.