What would the potential return of star loanee mean for FC Barcelona?
- Reports suggest Atletico Madrid would be interested in swapping players for Felix.
- Joao Felix could return to FC Barcelona, given Nico Williams isn't arriving this summer.
Amidst Barca's ongoing preseason tour and their active involvement in signing their dream transfer targets, there has been a prolonged saga going about a star loanee's future at the club. Since Joao Felix's loan deal ended at the Blaugrana club, the Portuguese forward has time and again expressed his desire to return to FC Barcelona.
During Barca's ongoing pursuit of Nico Williams, it was certain that Joao Felix wouldn't stand a chance to return. However, Nico's Athletic stay has changed the dynamics of Felix's deal. And thus, from Nico Williams' Barca move turning cold, a last-minute move for Joao Felix hasn't been ruled out.
What would the potential return of Felix mean for FC Barcelona?
Even though his parent club, Atletico, wants the Portuguese forward to make a move for the PL side Aston Villa, Felix has decided to wait for FC Barcelona. While his return to the Catalan club seems difficult, given Villa's deal that includes the player on an initial loan with a mandatory purchase option, Barcelona isn't impossible for Felix.
A few days back, Mundo Deportivo hinted that FC Barcelona is not considering paying for the permanent transfer of Joao Felix and only wants a simple loan for Joao. However, recent reports on the Joao Felix Barca-Atletico saga might help the forward's cause.
According to the recent reports from Diario SPORT, Atletico Madrid would be interested in a swap deal with Barça for Joao Felix. Los Rojiblancos has it that they won't mind considering an exchange for Barça players like Inigo Martinez, Ferrán Torres, and Vitor Roque.
Analyzing a possible swap from Barcelona's perspective, if they do manage to bring in Dani Olmo this summer, then Ferran Torres might be a safe option to swap. Given Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Olmo, the Catalan club would remain enriched with sufficient wingers to work with. Something similar could be the case with Vitor Roque.
The Brazilian forward hasn't been able to capitalize on recent opportunities, and it seems Barca wishes to sell him. In such a scenario, swapping him for Felix, who had a considerably decent last season, would not be a much riskier option. However, the problem stands with Inigo Martinez's swap.
Considering Barcelona's recent injury crisis in the backline, Araujo and Faye aren't available, Barca couldn't afford to swap Inigo. Given the center-back's experience in La Liga, he could be a valuable asset till Ronald Araujo returns. Thus, Barca needs to look for suitable defense options before considering Inigo for a swap.
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Overall, Joao Felix's Barca return move is in the initial stages, with much progress left to ensure his stay. Barca would hope that in case they manage to swap Vitor Roque or Ferran Torres in exchange for Joao Felix, the Catalan attack force would become much more aggressive.
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