Joao Felix’s good form at Barcelona good for Atletico Madrid, says president: “I’m delighted”

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted that he is delighted with the successful start made by Joao Felix at Barcelona as it is good for the club.

After falling out of favour at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, Joao Felix secured his desired move to Barça during the summer, albeit only on a loan deal.

The 23-year-old attacker has made a fine start to life in Catalonia, racking up three goals and assists apiece from eight matches across all competitions.

As such, the Portuguese international has become a regular fixture in the starting XI for the Catalan giants.

Atletico Madrid president happy with Felix’s start

Considering how things had gone for Joao Felix at Atletico Madrid, there were concerns about whether he would click at Barcelona or not.

But so far things have worked out well for the reigning La Liga champions, and it appears that Atletico Madrid are also happy with how their loanee is performing at Barça.

Speaking to El Desmarque (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Atleti president Cerezo admitted that he is pleased with how Joao Felix is performing as it will only benefit the Colchoneros, who still own him.

“Joao Félix is a wonderful player, I am delighted that he is succeeding at Barcelona for many reasons, firstly for him, secondly for his entourage, and above all for Atlético de Madrid, the club to which he belongs,” Cerezo said.

Atleti will demand €80 million to sell Joao Felix

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona’s loan agreement with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix does not include a purchase option.

As such, for the Catalans to sign him permanently at the end of the ongoing campaign, they will have to negotiate a transfer fee with Los Rojiblancos.

Atletico, though, will reportedly hold out for a sum of €80 million for the Portuguese international, considering that they renewed his contract until 2029 before sending him out on loan.

That figure is something that Barcelona cannot fathom reaching next summer given their financial situation.