Barcelona set to miss out on 24-year-old forward as European giants close in on €30m deal | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta and director Deco have, on multiple times, insisted that the club intends to secure the services of Joao Felix again after his loan deal from Atletico Madrid expired.

The 24-year-old attacker, for his part, has always maintained that he wanted to stay at the club for longer than one season and the Catalans too reciprocated the sentiment.

However, things have changed in recent days with Felix’s former club, SL Benfica, entering the scene.

The Portuguese giants have been in negotiations with Atletico Madrid to sign Joao Felix and it appears that an agreement might be in sight.

Benfica to acquire 50% rights for €30 million

Indeed, as per reports in Portugal (h/t SPORT), Benfica and Atletico Madrid are advancing in negotiations which would see the Portuguese club shell out €30 million for 50% of Joao Felix’s rights.

Benfica consider the forward a strategic signing and are making great progress in the operation, which would distance the attacker from a return to Barcelona.

Having initially offered €20 million for half his rights, the European giants have raised the offer to €30 million and a deal could be close to being finalised.

Headed back to his roots? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid, for their part, were always against another loan deal with Barça and instead sought a permanent transfer.

While the deal with Benfica might not be the most lucrative one, Los Rojiblancos still get to recoup some of the investment made in the Portuguese international. As such, they have broken off contacts with Barça.

Deco informed of developments

The report adds that Joao Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has informed Barcelona director of the developments taking place between Benfica and Atletico Madrid.

Barça, at any point, have not shown any interest in making an offer for a permanent signing of the forward and remain keen only on a loan operation.

Joao Felix, for his part, is yet to give his ‘OK’ to the Benfica operation and continues to prefer Barcelona, but will have to wait until August for the Catalans to get a clearer picture of their salary limit situation.

But the enthusiasm with which Benfica are approaching the deal could tempt the forward into considering a return to his former team, bidding permanent goodbye to Barcelona.