Barcelona handed major boost in hopes of keeping Joao Felix

Barcelona are 'on track' to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid for another season, according to reports in Spain.

Felix signed for Barca on deadline day of the summer 2023 transfer window, joining La Blaugrana on loan until the end of the season. This deal did not include an optional or obligatory purchase clause.

SPORT report Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, has informed Barcelona club president Joan Laporta negotiations with Atletico over another loan are going well. Barca are willing to keep Felix if the financial conditions are right for them and have received assurances this will be the case.

Atletico had been hoping to either sell Felix or attach a purchase clause worth €75m into another loan following his fine start to life at Barcelona, but his form has slowed in recent months and it will be harder to shift him on a permanent basis immediately. Barca do not want to agree to a purchase clause worth more than €40m for Felix.

After a falling out with manager Diego Simeone, Atletico have been clear Felix will not play for them again, which could put them at a disadvantage in negotiations to shift him.

Barcelona do not intend to pay for Felix this summer due to his declining performances and their lack of room for manoeuvre in the transfer market. The Portugal forward could receive an offer from the Saudi Pro League this summer but his preference is to remain in Catalonia.

Felix is also optimistic he can impress Barcelona's new manager, with current boss Xavi standing down from his role at the end of the season. Xavi did not view Felix as a priority signing but the club have been determined to keep him regardless.

Barcelona's hope is Felix stays on loan for another season and they can sign him on a cut-price deal in 2025. Atletico and Felix are in more of a hurry to finalise this agreement than Barca, who are relaxed about the saga.

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