Signed for €127 million in 2019, Joao Felix was touted as the next superstar from Portugal. In his initial years at Atletico, he showed flashes of brilliance, and in 2022, he even won Atletico Madrid's Player of the Season award.
Since then, Felix's career hasn't been smooth sailing. A breakout with Diego Simeone saw him leave Atletico on loan twice: first to Chelsea and then to Barcelona. Joao Felix joined the Catalan giants at the start of the 2023–24 season on a 1-year loan deal from parent club Atleti. Looking at this season, it's been the same story for Felix.
The Portuguese scored 10 goals, including twice against Atletico, but he hasn't unlocked his true potential. For a large part of the season, he couldn't nail down a starting role under Xavi and was inconsistent in the attack.
Joao Felix wants to stay with Barcelona
This could change, however, as President Joan Laporta has hinted at Joao Felix's continuity at the club. Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, he said,
""We want the Joaos to continue. Deco is working to ensure that they continue another season in the current conditions.""Joan Laporta
Laporta then went on to reveal Hansi Flick's admiration for the winger:
""Flick considers that they are high-quality players, and when he coached Bayern, he already tried to incorporate Joao Felix""Joan Laporta
The idea of staying is favored by Felix, who, speaking to Catalunya Radio, praised the environment at Camp Nou.
""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 (via Catalunya Radio)
On top of that, even Atletico's president is on the same page with Laporta. Speaking to Partidazo COPE in April, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo remarked,
" "He’s playing at Barcelona, and it’s normal that he wants to stay there. Barcelona wants him, and he wants them, so everyone is happy.""Enrique Cerezo(via Partidazo COPE)
These statements offer a positive future for Felix at the Catalan club. Also, given the great transfer relationship between Barca and Atleti in recent years, a transfer or another loan deal can be worked out.