FC Barcelona 2023 Star Wants To Return To Club Under Flick
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An FC Barcelona 2023/2024 squad member wants to return to the club according to Sport, which cited anonymous sources.
AFP via Getty ImagesAn FC Barcelona 2023/2024 squad member wants to return to the club according to SPORT and AS, which cited anonymous sources.
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Joao Felix was one of two “Joaos” that arrived in Catalonia on loan in said campaign. While Joao Cancelo came in January at the turn of 2024, Felix was an earlier temporary signing in the previous summer from domestic rival Atletico Madrid.
Just like Cancelo in the first instance, Felix’s tenure in Montjuic could hardly be deemed a success.
He struggled under Xavi Hernandez, as Barca were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Paris Saint-Germain amid bitter rival Real Madrid claiming both the European Cup for the 15th time and La Liga.
As he knocked up a tally of 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances, Barca decided not to buy Felix outright.
Cancelo’s successful second loan stint on Xavi successor Hansi Flick’s watch is an indicator that sometimes things can go right a second time, however.
As part of a different system, Cancelo thrived in another half-season loan commanded by the German and helped win the Spanish top flight for a second consecutive time.
Dislodging Alejandro Balde, Cancelo earned a permanent transfer this summer and remains a top choice for left back with La Masia pearl Xavi Espart. Simultaneously, he offers versatility in also being able to operate on the opposite flank.
To make his dream move become a reality, Cancelo had to force his way out of Al-Hilal. He gave up a large amount of money owed to him, by ripping up his contract with the Saudi giants and therefore becoming a free agent.
Even more interestingly, Felix could arrive for free without such dramatic steps given he only signed a two-year contract when joining Al-Nassr from Chelsea in 2025.
Felix wants a return to FC Barcelona
In a recent interview with AS, Felix said that: “Since I was little, I always wanted to play for Barca and I was able to fulfil my dream even if it was only a year”.
According to SPORT, though, the 26-year-old, who is enjoying a resurgence in the Middle East and remains a firm part of the Portugal national team, wants to play at the Spotify Camp Nou.
His agent Jorge Mendes, who is a known ally of President Joan Laporta, has made this clear to the club.
Yet one thing to bear in mind is the wealth of options that Barca already has on Felix’s preferred left wing. Though Raphinha is currently playing as a central striker, the signing of a natural targetman could push the Brazilian back to his usual slot where there’s also Anthony Gordon.
The Englishman also has rivalry from an impressive Karim Adeyemi, and the trio fit the profile of a different type of hardworking, intense and explosive type of winger Flick likes which Felix isn’t.
At the same time, however, Felix as a free agent could be a solid market opportunity for FC Barcelona if he lowers his wage demands.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com