Barcelona are interested in want-away Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix as the Blaugrana’s search for a marquee forward signing continues.
The Portugal international has yet to reach 100 appearances in his three seasons in the Spanish capital, and has only showed flashes of brilliance in a defensive Atletico side.
Felix has struggled to get into the starting lineup at the Wanda Metropolitano of late, with Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa, Matheus Cunha and Luis Suarez – who has been linked with a reunion with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa recently – all preferred by manager Diego Simeone.
And Spain-based reporter Ruben Uria has revealed on radio show Sports Carousel that the forward would ideally like to leave Atletico, and Barcelona are waiting in the wings.
Barça remain hell-bent on signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this summer, but are aware of the financial commitment it would take to land him. With the club still not yet over their financial struggles, they are looking at alternative options too.
This has led them back to Felix, who has been touted to head to Camp Nou ever since breaking into the Benfica first team four years ago. But there remain doubts over Felix’s quality due to his standing with Simeone and inability to nail down a place in the starting lineup for the Rojiblancos.
The Argentine coach is indifferent about Felix’s future, but Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin wants the 22-year-old to stay and is determined to keep ahold of him.
Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for Felix in the past but no mention was made of them in this report.
