Barcelona have been trying to sign Atletico Madrid star for three years | OneFootball

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have shared a rather bitter relationship in the recent past, both on and off the pitch. Matches often result in extended arguments while the attempt to sign another one’s player becomes legal controversy.

Despite that, players like Arda Turan, Antoine Griezmann, David Villa, and Luis Suarez have made the switch over borders in the last ten years. And if reports from Ruben Uria can be believed, Barcelona have been trying to sign Joao Felix from Alteti for three years now.

The journalist claims that while Erling Haaland is priority numero uno, signing him will be virtually impossible without earning money through player sales. As such, he is convinced that the Blaugranas will have one eye on Felix.

Felix moved to Diego Simeone’s side in the summer of 2019 for a club-record €125 million. Owing to his style and position, he was primarily seen as a replacement for Griezmann, who was off to Barça for a similar cost. It has been far from smooth sailing since, though.

Injuries, lack of trust, and Antoine Griezmann

He scored six goals and set up one in his first season in the league in 27 appearances. He nearly doubled that number with seven goals, five assists in the next. This season, however, he has been pinned down with injuries, racking up a measly two goals and an assist in 12 games.

Simeone managed to pour salt over Felix’s wounds this summer when he replaced Griezmann with…Griezmann. The Frenchman moved to the Spanish capital on loan with an option to secure his signing for a number quoted to be around €50 million.

Consequently, the Portuguese might be looking for a way out.

Barça’s search for a striker is evident, but the club already has a profile similar to Felix in Memphis Depay. Moreover, the 22-year-old is said to be non-transferrable for Atleti despite falling short in the pecking order.