Barcelona will have to shell out €80 million to sign in-form forward on permanent transfer

Journalist Manu Sainz has reported via AS that Atletico Madrid are currently hoping to seal the permanent transfer of Joao Felix for €80 million next summer, a news that could hamper Barcelona’s plans with regard to the Portuguese.

Atletico sealed Felix’s loan move to Barcelona during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Now, Barcelona did agree to cover 100% of his salary but it was only made possible after the player renewed his deal with Atletico until 2029 and as a result, his package was significantly lowered.

It must be noted that Felix’s only aspiration was to don the Barcelona jersey. This summer, the most financially enticing offer Atletico received for the forward came from a Saudi-backed club, who were willing to pay €15 million for a one-year loan. 

However, Atletico Madrid believed that this move would diminish the player’s value in the long run.

However, in order to move to Barcelona, Felix had to take a bold step by openly professing his affection for the Blaugrana in order to stir the sentiments within the Barcelona club.

Atletico Madrid both thrilled and worried

It has been a little over a month since his move and it has become increasingly evident to the Atletico board that he has quickly captured the attention and admiration of Barcelona fans.

In just seven games, he has scored three goals and two assists and according to the Atletico board, this is going to enhance his market value for the upcoming season.

This way of thinking has allowed them to see his success as an asset.

In fact, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo even went on to call Felix one of the best players in Europe based on current form, saying:

“We each think in our own way. João Félix is very free to say whatever he wants. He knows that he is an Atlético player on loan at Barça. I think he will be one of the best, and he is one of the best players in Europe at the moment,

What next for Atletico and Felix?

Now, it must be noted that Barcelona had to make several arrangements in order to accommodate Felix. This involved the permanent exit of Ez Abde and the loan departure of Ansu Fati. 

Even after that, Felix had to make a significant salary sacrifice in order to align with Barcelona’s financial limitations. Additionally, the persuasion of Xavi was essential, a task masterfully handled by Deco and Joan Laporta.

At this moment, Barcelona are reaping the rewards of the transfer while Atletico have already begun envisioning €80 million they anticipate earning from his transfer next season. 

Judging by the current state of finances, it remains to be seen how Barça will pull this off if they tend to keep him for long.