Barcelona unwilling to pay €80 million to sign Joao Felix permanently from Atletico Madrid

Barcelona have enjoyed a fine start to the 2023-24 campaign. The Catalans are the only unbeaten side in Spain and currently sit four points behind Real Madrid on the league standings with a game in hand.

One of the primary catalysing forces in the Blaugrana attack in recent weeks has been the arrival of Joao Felix. The Atletico Madrid player joined Barcelona on loan on deadline day and has enjoyed a strong start to life in the garnet-and-blue colours.

His loan at the club stands valid for one season, but Xavi Hernandez’s side do not have a purchase clause on the agreement with Atletico Madrid.

The lack of such an option has triggered tension in the Catalan capital in recent weeks, with rumours stating that Los Rojiblancos will demand €80 million to sign Joao Felix permanently.

Barcelona’s latest stance

According to an update from Adrian Sanchez, Barcelona will not go near the €80 million price tag rumoured to have been set by Atletico Madrid.

The offices at Civitas Metropolitano are aware of the same. After all, the Catalans’ economic situation does not even deem it possible for them to shell out such a large figure.

Barcelona hope to enter negotiations with Atletico Madrid in the driver’s seat knowing of the rift between Felix and Diego Simeone.

But Atleti will be licking their lips after seeing Joao Felix’s start at Barça as it might help them attract more suitors for the Portuguese international.

Felix’s contract is the potential hurdle

Under normal circumstances, it would be clear that Xavi Hernandez’s side should be the ones dictating the terms of the transfer. The big hurdle on that front, however, is Felix’s contract.

The Portuguese sensation extended his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2029 before his deadline day move to Barcelona, giving his employers full leverage of his future.

It thus remains to be seen how Joan Laporta and Co. approach the situation next summer, especially if Felix keeps up his great form.

With economic restraints and interest from other European sides, it will not be an easy operation to pull off.

In five La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist. Further, he has two UEFA Champions League goals to his name in just two appearances.