Barcelona confirm loan sign of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of forward Joao Felix on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.

Joao Felix has long been keen to join Barca, with the Portugal international even saying in an interview in July that “‘Barcelona has always been my first choice and I would love to join them.”

Now, after a lengthy courtship, Barcelona have now confirmed they have secured the services of Felix from Atletico Madrid.

A statement from Barcelona reads: “FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Joao Felix until 30 June 2024. There is no option for a permanent transfer.

“The Club wishes to thank the player publicly for the financial effort made and his desire to wear the Barca shirt.”

Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, but the Blues opted not to trigger their option to sign the player outright after he bagged just four goals in the Premier League.

Reports in Spain previously stated that Barcelona had previously agreed a deal to sign Felix way back in January 2022 for an initial £60m with an additional £55m in add-ons, however FFP regulations ultimately got in the way of the deal.

It remains to be seen now whether or not Barcelona can actually register Felix’s contract at the club. As things stand, the likes of Marcos Alonso and Inaki Pena are not registered to play La Liga football due to Barca’s dire financial situation.