Manchester City midfielder comments about Barcelona’s forward’s situation: “Now I see him happy”

Left with just three first-team forwards in Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha by the last day of the 2023 summer transfer window, Barcelona decided to pursue Joao Felix on loan, and brought him for the rest of the season.

He started his Barcelona tenure well, scoring on his first start for the club, alongside compatriot Joao Cancelo.

However, things have gone rather downhill from there for Felix. His performances have raised some doubts within the club and the fanbase, who are not happy with the efforts he puts in, at least until he has a chip on his shoulder.

That said, the Portuguese has claimed on a few occasions now that he is happy at his new club, and would like to continue in Catalunya beyond just the current season if the club’s budget can make space for him.

His national teammate, Bernardo Silva, too, has echoed the same words recently.

“I came to a club like Manchester City, which matched my qualities, but Joao Felix did not,” he said speaking about Felix’s move to Atletico Madrid in 2019, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo.

“This is not a criticism of Atletico. He went to the wrong place. I, perhaps, would not have triumphed at Atletico either. I would have tried to adapt to the coach’s idea. But it would not have been ideal for me.”

Bernardo was linked to Barcelona himself for a fair few years, but it seems the Catalans have now dropped their approach given his immense price tag, which is set at around €100 million, and understandably so.

“Now I’m happy because I see him [Felix] happy at Barcelona, and in an atmosphere more in line with his game. He is much stronger than a few years ago,” the Manchester City superstar added.

Barcelona and Atletico will start formal negotiations soon, but if Felix’s form and Xavi’s actions are anything to go by, the blaugranes will not be ready to pay a huge sum for the 24-year-old forward.