Since Joao Felix's loan deal at Barca ended on 30th June 2024, the Portuguese forward has wanted to return to the Blaugrana club. Contributing to 16 goals, the forward had a considerably impressive season and seemed important enough to continue at the Catalan club. However, the youngster's Barca deal dynamics have changed significantly, and at present, he seems to be away from the club's plans.
Felix prefers Chelsea with no chances of returning to FC Barcelona
Given Barca's attack options, including the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Pau Victor, currently Felix isn't a priority for Barcelona. Substantiating the same, Diario AS reported that Joao Felix continuing at Barça is difficult as it stands, as Hansi Flick has made it clear that he has enough players from the youth ranks to cover the gaps.
Even though Joao Felix has returned to the Atletico camp, his future in Simeone's lineup looks dull. Given his relations with the Atletico boss, it was well decided that if not Barcelona, the club would try to sell him this summer. And now that his Barca return seems negligible, he is set to join a new club this summer.
Though significant clubs had shown interest in acquiring the signatures of the 24-year-old forward, the player's preference favors Chelsea. Being a former player for the Blues, Joao has informed his agent Jorge Mendes of a potential return to the Premier League. According to recent reports from Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, Jorge Medes is in London to negotiate Joao's Chelsea return.
🚨🔵 João Félix has already said yes to Chelsea return. His agent Jorge Mendes was informed yesterday.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2024
Negotiations ongoing between Chelsea and Atléti, as revealed last night — it’s up to Chelsea now.
↪️⚠️ This is also crucial for Conor Gallagher deal. pic.twitter.com/Y6j3pAMdId
From Atletico's perspective, Joao's Chelsea return seems favorable, as the Rioblancos are trying to negotiate for the forward to be a part of Gallagher's deal. Having the Omorodion move off, Atletico doesn't want to lose on Gallagher, and thus Felix's return sounds good for Atletico as well as the player himself.
Though further updates are yet to arrive on Felix's deal, it seems certain that the Portuguese forward won't be seen in Barcelona's jersey for the upcoming season.