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Barcelona coaching staff 'having doubts over permanent Joao Felix deal'

Barcelona coaching staff 'having doubts over permanent Felix deal'
© Reuters
Barcelona's coaching staff are reportedly having second thoughts when it comes to a permanent deal for on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Joao Felix's disappointing run of form for Barcelona has reportedly led to coaching staff at Camp Nou considering their stance when it comes to the Portugal international.

The 24-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, and he has been a regular for Xavi's side this season, making 22 appearances.

Felix has scored six goals and registered three assists for his loan club, but he was substituted at the interval of the team's 3-2 win over Almeria in La Liga before the winter break, before being left out of the starting side against Las Palmas in the league last time out.

The Portuguese was back in the XI against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Sunday, but he struggled to make his mark and was withdrawn in the 72nd minute.

Barcelona have said on a number of occasions this season, via president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, that they are looking to sign Felix on a permanent basis this summer.

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their second goal on November 28, 2023© Reuters

However, according to Sport, there are 'doubts in the coaching staff' due to his disappointing form, with his impact at the club 'fading' after a bright start.

The report claims that senior figures at Barcelona remain keen to sign him this summer, with Atletico seemingly wiling to let him leave permanently at the end of the campaign.

However, Felix will allegedly have to improve his performances in the second half of the season in order to convince the coaching staff that he should be brought in on a long-term basis.

Atletico extended the forward's contract before letting him leave for Barcelona, with his terms at Wanda Metropolitano due to run until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

Barcelona attacker Joao Felix on October 28, 2023© Reuters

Felix has largely struggled to make his mark for the Red and Whites since arriving from Benfica in 2019, only managing 34 goals and 18 assists in 131 appearances.

The Portuguese spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, scoring four goals in 20 appearances, but the Blues decided against signing him on a permanent basis.

Felix's salary at Barcelona recently increased by 900%, with the forward initially placed on a salary of £344,440 for the season in order for the La Liga champions to register him amid their financial problems.

However, La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that they had 'multiplied the remuneration agreed between Joao and FCB by 10, for Fair Play purposes', taking him up to £3,444,400 a year.

Felix is currently with the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, with the La Liga champions taking on Osasuna in the semi-finals on Thursday night.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on December 10, 2023
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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