Barcelona rivalled by Aston Villa, Fenerbahce in race for 24-year-old target | OneFootball

Joao Felix’s season on loan at Barcelona was statistically his best season yet. However, the player did not do enough to get the Catalan club to throw the kitchen sink for him.

Given the opportunity, Barcelona would like to continue with the Portuguese star but it is clear they will not go overboard to ensure his return. Considering the massive price tag Atletico Madrid refer to, a return to Barcelona appears different.

Now eliminated from the Euros, Felix is forced to return to the Civitas Metropolitano for pre-season under Diego Simeone. He does not share a good relationship with the manager, however, and is pushing to resolve his future soon.

Three new options

Benfica was seen as one of the best-placed destinations for the Portuguese star this summer. With Angel Di Maria renewing at the club, however, that option now appears ruled out.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo now, two new clubs have entered the race as possible destinations for Felix – Fenerbahce and Aston Villa. Further, a move to Saudi Arabia is also not ruled out.

What next for Joao Felix? (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Turkish club, in particular, appear well placed as Jose Mourinho sees the youngster with good eyes. Their sharing of a common agent only furthers the cause.

The player is eager to return to Barcelona, but as of now, the chances appear to be slim.

Barcelona no longer a clear option

It is clear that Simeone will not count on Felix next season and a departure is the only option forward.

Atletico Madrid, however, refuse to sanction a loan exit and are adamant about selling the player permanently.

With Barcelona’s finances far from stable, the Catalans thus sit with low odds of landing the youngster once more. After all, they will look to channel their financial resources towards the signing of Nico Williams.

As it stands, Barcelona’s only chance is if the saga of Felix’s future drags to the end of the transfer window and Los Rojiblancos are under pressure to sanction a loan.