Barcelona not considering Robert Lewandowski swap but Atletico Madrid stance jeopardises Joao Felix deal | OneFootball

Barcelona are not considering offloading Robert Lewandowski in a deal to make Joao Felix‘s stay at the club permanent, despite reports earlier this week. The Polish forward is content in Catalonia, as is his parter, and is currently building a mansion on the coast close to the city.

There had been some suggestion that Barcelona’s desire to offload an ageing Lewandowski, on huge wages, could lead them to consider doing a deal with Atletico Madrid. Similar has occurred with David Villa and Luis Suarez in the past, with Los Colchoneros winning La Liga on both occasions. Meanwhile Barcelona Sporting Director has been clear that they intend to keep Felix next season if they can.

However the talks with Atletico will not be easy. In addition to downplaying the potential of Lewandowski to move to Madrid, Matteo Moretto has revealed to Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that Atleti’s main objective this summer is to avoid another loan exit for Felix. They either want the Portuguese to leave permanently, or will demand an obligation to buy clause in any loan deal with Barcelona.

The obvious problem is that the Blaugrana are short of cash, and obligation to buy clauses count towards their salary limit for the current season as a transfer fee. Regardless of Deco’s statements, Felix is yet to show sufficient decisiveness on the pitch to justify spending what resources they have on him. Agent Jorge Mendes may well have to get creative in order to push a deal over the line, at least to Barcelona.