24-year-old star expresses his desire to stay at Barca amidst departure rumors

Signed on September 1, 2023, from Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix has had decent stats at the Catalan club for a loan deal. Netting ten goals and managing six assists in the 44 games he featured in, the Portuguese star has showcased his brilliance on a few occasions for FC Barcelona.

Initially, it was planned that he would continue in another season or two at the Barca camp, and Joan Laporta wanted the loan star to be kept within the club. However, the Portuguese forward hasn't enjoyed the same fortune till then. Barca's financial conditions don't allow him to be a part of the current setup although Javier Tebas had announced that Barca could sign players easily, they still haven't pursued the 1:1 criteria.

Joao Felix wants to stay at Barca

Joao Felix's childhood dream has been to represent Barcelona: he has said it before,

""I'm very happy in Barcelona. I love the city, the people, and the club. My position is clear. The dressing room is also incredible, and I really hope to stay at the club beyond this season.""

- Joao Felix

Moreover, his relations with Diego Simeone aren't that favorable, and thus, Atletico is on the lookout to sell him. However, given Barca's interest in the Basque winger Nico Williams, it doesn't seem that the Catalan club would be able to retain Felix anymore, for whom Atletico seem willing to sell.

Recent reports suggest that even though Felix wants to stay at Barça, the club has asked for some patience from the Portuguese forward, and his stay at the Blaugrana club depends upon how the Nico Williams' deal plays out. Considering FC Barcelona has almost reached the verge of signing Nico Williams, Felix's future remains unclear.

According to an update on Williams' deal, Barca is waiting for the conclusion of the Euros, after which they will go all out for him. Also, to facilitate the signing, the Catalan club needs the departure of a big name. Thus, with the playfield setup, Felix's stay at Barca looks difficult, and he might move to a new destination in the new season.