Barcelona remain keen on retaining out-of-form forward for next season – report | OneFootball

Halfway into the new season, it is safe to say that Joao Felix has fulfilled his potential a bit more at Barcelona than he did at Atletico Madrid.

In 21 competitive matches so far, Felix has been involved in nine goals. He has scored twice in the last five league matches, helping Barcelona steer through a difficult period.

Barcelona remains keen on keeping Felix

Although Felix’s form has dissipated after an extraordinary start to the season, Barcelona remain keen on keeping hold of the attacker, reports Diario SPORT.

Felix joined Barcelona on transfer deadline day, signing a season-long loan deal. But the contract with Barcelona had no retention clause, meaning the player is supposed to return to his parent club Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

Felix, though, has been enjoying his life in Catalonia. He has found it easier to play under Xavi Hernandez’s tactical setup, even though Barça could use a bit more productivity from the Portuguese international.

What does the future hold for Felix? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Jorge Mendes to offer another loan deal

Jorge Mendes is a key pawn if Barcelona are to keep hold of Joao Felix beyond the end of the season.

The Portuguese super-agent played a key role in helping Barcelona acquire both Felix and Joao Cancelo on deadline day.

Now, with Barça keen on retaining Felix, Mendes has offered a chance for Barça to sign the forward on yet another loan deal.

This time around, the loan deal is likely to have a retention clause that can be activated at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Atletico Madrid, for their part, are unlikely to cause any trouble and are likely to open the door for Felix, in order to avoid any problems in the summer.