Joao Felix could be moving away from Barcelona’s grasp with every stellar performance – report

Since his move to Barcelona on deadline day, Joao Felix has been making the headlines regularly.

The Portuguese star has propelled himself to a stunning start to life in Catalonia and has established himself as an undisputed starter just three games into his spell at the club.

Joao Felix’s position on the left wing plays to his strengths and has allowed him to regain confidence and form.

Felix’s form – boon or bane?

The 23-year-old forward signed for Barcelona on the final day of the transfer window in a deal that was seen as a masterstroke by Joan Laporta. After all, he arrived on a season-long loan to help out a team in dire need of attacking finesse.

The player’s loan deal, however, does not include a purchase option for the Catalans to trigger. Felix will return to Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, and it is suddenly clear that Barcelona could stand to lose by the development.

As reported by Javi Miguel, the Azulgranas are now stuck between two evils.

If Felix succeeds at the club and continues to perform in the same rhythm as he has started, he will double his market value.

In such a situation, Los Rojiblanos would demand over €100 million for his transfer and sell him to the highest bidder. With every strong performance, he thus moves away from Barcelona.

If the player loses steam and ceases to operate at the high level he is currently showing, it would be a direct loss for Barcelona. After all, they would not consider making his move permanent in such a scenario.

A relationship beyond repair

Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid share a relationship that is well past the stage of repair. The recent pre-season tour is a testament to the fact that Diego Simeone does not count on the former Benfica star and that continuity in Madrid is ruled out.

The 23-year-old’s contract with the Madrid-based side, however, runs until 2029. Los Rojiblancos made it a point to secure a long-term renewal before loaning the player so as to maintain leverage over his future.

As it stands, they are in the driver’s seat but one knows that a departure to Barcelona next summer could be the best solution for all parties involved.