Barcelona have unexpectedly found themselves at the centre of the transfer saga surrounding Joao Felix, but now look set to sign the Portugal star.
Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea after falling out of favour with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, and he faced an uncertain future this summer with a number of clubs interested in a deal.
The attacker dropped a bombshell on interested parties such as Aston Villa by admitting that his dream is to play for Barcelona, and Xavi’s side would be his ideal destination.
With Barcelona in a difficult financial situation, it initially seemed that they would not be able to afford the 23-year-old, who joined Atletico for £113m in 2019, but it now appears that they are close to agreeing a loan deal with an option to buy.
Spanish publication AS has now reported that Atletico have given the green light for Barcelona to sign the attacker on an initial loan deal, which they can make permanent at the end of the season, and the Blaugrana have already accounted for this deal in terms of the financial impact it could have.
Where can Felix fit in at Barcelona?
With Vitor Roque set to join in January, it seems surprising that Barcelona have elected to sign another attacker, and this could mean that Ferran Torres departs.
Felix, who teammate Alvaro Morata described as a “special talent,” can be used in a variety of positions, either as cover or support for Robert Lewandowski as a central striker, or playing in a deeper role.
Xavi could even experiment with Felix as the most advanced option in a midfield three, and the signing of Oriol Romeu could help facilitate this.
If Xavi moves away from his usual 4-3-3 shape, he could try Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan as a double pivot, with Felix further advanced as a second striker.
Although he has not been at his best in recent seasons, Felix gives Barcelona tactical flexibility, as well as an injection of technical supremacy and attacking threat, and if he performs well, the Blaugrana could use the buy option to secure him for the long-term.