Barcelona make audacious Deadline Day move for Atletico Madrid star

Robin Bairner

31 Aug 2021 07:45 BST
3 min read

Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid, Primera Division — © ProShots

Barcelona are trying to leave the transfer market with a flourish as they attempt to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

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Head coach Ronald Koeman has wanted an additional reinforcement at No.9 throughout this summer, having seen Sergio Aguero suffer an injury that will keep him out until deep into the autumn.

Barcelona’s salary cap, though, has prevented them from making a move, yet RAC1 believes that they are ready to make a last-ditch dig to sign Portugal international Joao Felix on loan from champions Atleti.

Can Barcelona afford this move?

Barcelona’s main goal on Deadline Day is to clear out the unwanted players in their squad, and while they are not going to be able to get rid of everyone that Koeman believes is surplus to demands, it is hoped that they can raise enough money to make a signing.

Emerson Royal is bound for Tottenham, with the Premier League club set to pay around €30 million for him, while Ilaix Moriba will go to RB Leipzig for an initial €15m plus €5m to potentially follow in bonuses.

Of course, this will not eat significantly into Barcelona’s massive debts, but it may just give them enough room to make an offensive signing.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix stance

Barcelona are making a late move for Joao Felix on loan — © ProShots

Barca are likely to find significant resistance from Atletico Madrid when it comes to loaning out Joao Felix.

Indeed, both COPE and Radio Marca have reported that they will refuse the bid for the 21-year-old, stating that their market is over.

Joao Felix has been something of a disappointment since moving to Atletico Madrid for €126 million as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who move moved to Barca in 2019.

Nevertheless, he has scored 19 goals in 76 appearances, though he has suffered from numerous ankle injuries and has not featured in 2021/22 due to a fracture of that joint.

It would be a big shock if Barcelona were able to take Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day.