When Joao Felix wanted to join Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, almost everyone knew the youngster was making the wrong move except for him. It turned out that he couldn’t fit into the club’s style of play, which has been beautifully crafted to be defensive by long-serving manager Diego Simeone.
Felix finally got his wish to leave the club in January when he joined Chelsea, but despite his impressive performances at the Bridge, his move was not made permanent, and only another loan offer by Barcelona on the final day of the transfer window saved him from his misery at the Madrid club.
Joan Laporta draws comparisons between Joao Felix and Mbappe, Haaland
Joao Felix sent a ‘come-get-me’ plea to Barcelona in an exclusive interview with Fabrizio Romano in July, and while Barca took forever to make a move, they finally got their man on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day. The Portuguese youngster moved to Barcelona while the reigning La Liga champions sent Ansu Fati to the Premier League as Brighton secured a loan move for the Spaniard.
Joan Laporte has expressed his excitement that a player of Felix’s caliber could still be dreaming of a move to Barcelona, making the president draw comparisons between the former Benfica youngster, Kylian Mbappe, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. When SPORT journalist David Bernabeu asked Laporta about the signing of Felix and whether he would have loved to sign either Mbappe or Haaland, the president responded: “You know that if I could, I would bring Joao Felix,” expressing his excitement at the signing of one of the brightest youngsters in the game.
Felix will be happy to get another chance to prove his worth and convince Barcelona to permanently take him away from the cold hands of Diego Simeone, as the pair’s relationship has hit the point of no return in recent months.
Felix makes cameo appearance after a loan move from Atletico
Felix made his dream debut for Barcelona as Xavi’s men left it late to secure a win over Osasuna on Sunday. The Portuguese forward was introduced in the 80th minute, which means he witnessed the late drama that saw Robert Lewandowski convert from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, securing all three points for Xavi and his team.
Felix will hope to use the international break to bring himself up to speed and stay fit ahead of a busy schedule, including the commencement of the UEFA Champions League.
Will Barcelona make Felix’s move permanent? Will he be able to shine for Barcelona? Tell us what you think in the comments.
