Barcelona still keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid forward, agent could become key | OneFootball

Much like several other teams in the league, Atletico Madrid are in a terrible financial situation. They face problems signing players, even at low cost, and then even with registering them.

As such, they will likely be forced to sell some of their assets. One of the players expected to bring in a lot of money in the summer is 23-year-old Joao Felix.

The Portuguese moved to Chelsea in the winter on loan after a falling out with manager Diego Simeone. He did, however, extend his contract before leaving. Plus, the loan deal does not include an option to buy, which likely means Atleti will try selling him in the summer.

One of the parties still interested in his signing are none other than Barcelona. The La Liga leaders have been keeping tabs on Felix since forever, and according to SPORT, are still interested in signing him.

Atleti bought the player for a sum of around €126 million, and will likely not let him go for anything less than €80-100 million.

Consequently, the move becomes next to impossible for Barcelona, who are struggling with their finances themselves.

Barça do have a strong relationship with Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who could find a formula for the move. It will, of course, not be an easy operation, but the player favours a move to the Catalan outfit.

Having completed several transfers in the past, most recently one for Memphis Depay, Barcelona and Atletico share a rather fluid relationship.

The Blaugranes also have the option to purchase Yannick Carrasco from the Rojiblancos for €15 million – a deal they reached while negotiating the Memphis move. Whether there is movement between the two clubs involving Felix as well remains to be seen.