Benfica begin negotiations for Barcelona forward target, offer €15m for 50% rights | OneFootball

Joao Felix ceased to be a Barcelona player on June 30 as his loan contract from Atletico Madrid came to an end.

Barcelona, though, remain hopeful of signing the Portuguese international and are gearing up for crucial negotiations with Atletico Madrid.

Competition from SL Benfica

As Barcelona look to finalise another year of loan for Joao Felix, there appears to be a new twist in this tale.

According to SPORT, SL Benfica have entered the race to sign Felix and could end up signing their former player.

As per the report, Benfica has offered to sign 50% of the player’s transfer rights – something that may tempt Atletico Madrid.

SL Benfica want to re-sign Joao Felix (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Spanish giants, after all, are keen on offloading Felix. However, there is a bit of a disagreement when it comes to valuations.

SL Benfica are willing to offer €15 million to acquire 50% of Felix’s transfer rights. Atletico Madrid, though, are holding out for a fee of €25 million.

Final decision from SL Benfica

At the end of the day, however, the final decision on the future of Joao Felix will be taken by the player himself and this could aid Barcelona.

That is because Felix remains keen on continuing at Barça at least for another season, knowing he is trusted by the new coach Hansi Flick.

Felix’s creativity and flexibility in the final third could prove to be useful for Barcelona as they look to usher in a new era under Flick.

However, for now, the onus is on Barça to quickly facilitate the extension of the loan agreement with Atletico Madrid, before SL Benfica make an improved offer for the Portuguese international.