Atlético Madrid Confident of Closing Deal for Barcelona Star João Félix
Atlético Madrid Confident of Closing Deal for Barcelona Star João Félix
Atlético Madrid is reportedly on the verge of completing a high-profile transfer deal for Barcelona forward João Félix. The Madrid-based club is confident that negotiations will soon reach a successful conclusion, bringing the Portuguese international back to the Spanish capital after his initial spell at Atlético.
According to sources close to the negotiation process, talks between Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona have intensified in recent days. Both clubs are reportedly close to agreeing on the final terms of the transfer, which would see João Félix make a sensational return to Atlético Madrid after spending a season on loan at Chelsea FC and later being sold to Barcelona.
The deal is said to involve a substantial transfer fee, with Atlético Madrid prepared to invest significantly to secure Félix’s services. The 24-year-old forward, who joined Barcelona last summer for a fee believed to be around €80 million, has had a mixed spell at Camp Nou, which has prompted the club to consider offloading him to balance their books and comply with La Liga’s financial regulations.
João Félix initially joined Atlético Madrid from SL Benfica in 2019 for a club-record fee of €126 million. The young star quickly made his mark, showcasing his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability. However, his time at Atlético was marked by inconsistent performances and injuries, leading to a loan move to Chelsea for the 2023-2024 season.
At Chelsea, Félix regained some of his form, impressing with his creative play and ability to make a difference in key matches. This form caught the attention of Barcelona, who secured his permanent transfer last summer. Despite his potential, Félix struggled to fit into Xavi Hernández’s tactical setup at Barcelona, leading to limited playing time and speculation about his future.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has reportedly identified João Félix as a key target to bolster his attacking options for the upcoming season. With Atlético aiming to challenge for both La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, Simeone is keen to reunite with Félix, believing that the player can rediscover his best form under his guidance.
Simeone’s admiration for Félix’s talent is well-documented, and the Argentine coach is said to be eager to build his attack around the Portuguese forward. Atlético Madrid’s hierarchy shares Simeone’s enthusiasm, with club president Enrique Cerezo and sporting director Andrea Berta fully backing the move.
João Félix himself is believed to be open to the idea of returning to Atlético Madrid. Despite his initial struggles in Madrid, Félix has fond memories of his time at the club and is reportedly eager to work with Diego Simeone once again. The player’s representatives have been in discussions with both clubs to facilitate the transfer, and there is optimism that a deal can be finalized in the coming days.
The financial aspect of the deal is one of the key factors in the negotiations. Atlético Madrid is reportedly working on structuring the transfer fee and potential add-ons in a way that suits both clubs. Barcelona, who are under pressure to reduce their wage bill and generate funds, are said to be willing to negotiate a deal that includes various performance-related clauses and bonuses.
Atlético Madrid is also exploring the possibility of including a player in the deal to further reduce the cash outlay. Several names have been mentioned as potential makeweights, though it remains to be seen whether Barcelona would accept such an arrangement.
With negotiations at an advanced stage, an official announcement from both clubs could be imminent. If the deal is finalized, João Félix would become Atlético Madrid’s marquee signing of the summer, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.
Atlético Madrid is one of Spain’s most successful football clubs, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1903. The club has won numerous domestic and international titles, including eleven La Liga championships, ten Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Europa League titles. Under the management of Diego Simeone, Atlético has consistently been one of Europe’s top-performing clubs, known for its defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and competitive spirit.
