FC Barcelona and Joan Laporta had been trying to sign two Portuguese players on dealine day during the transfer window. They finally announced Joao Felix through all their official media, but there are some details of his arrival that need discussing. So far, Felix’s first words as a Culer were: “I’m so happy to be here. Visca el Barça!”
First of all, Joao Felix was signed as a new Barcelona player from Atletico Madrid on a loan for one season. According to the details, there will be no buying option by the end of this loan. Felix has been recorded syaing he always dreamt of playing for this club since he was a child. At 23 years old, Felix’s best moments came during his first years with the ‘Colchoneros‘ but went through some important issues that moved him away from that level of performance.
With Ansu Fati recently announced as a new Brighton player and Ousmane Dembele already at PSG, President Laporta feels Xavi can bring out the best in Joao Felix for the season he will play with the club. But there is quite a bit of competition with many young talented players who are trying to knock the door down.
Joao Felix had no minutes for Atletico Madrid this season
Ever since the pre-season started, Joao Felix returned from a loan at Chelsea FC and had no minutes from coach Diego Simeone. Last season, Joao Felix did play a total of 40 games between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. He played 20 games with each squad in different parts of the season. Between all those games, Felix had an output of 9 goals and only 3 assists in all competitions.
Coach Diego Simeone recently said there is no player who is above a club as great as Atletico Madrid. He alluded Joao Felix is still an Atletico Madrid player, even if he doesn’t want him to remain as such. President Enrique Cerezo did pay 126 million euros when he brought the youngster from Benfica. Selling him for a price he is worth today would be considered one of the club’s biggest transfer blunders of all time.
Which jerse number is Joao Felix going to wear?
The idea is for Joao Felix to find himself back at FC Barcelona and return to help the club that paid so much money for him. According to the club’s website, Joao Felix is wearing the club’s No. 14. A mythical jersey number Johan Cruyff himself wore.
Joao Cancelo is also announced by Barcelona
Only a few minutes after Felix’s announcement, FC Barcelona also made the Joao Cancelo signing official. Just like Felix, Cancelo comes on a loan with no buying option from Manchester City. Xavi had been talking about Cancelo’s potential arrival throughout the entire pre-season.