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Barcelona planning move for Atletico Madrid forward

Joao Felix at Atletico Madrid
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The Blaugrana are reportedly keen to add Joao Felix to their side as they continue searching for a new forward.

Since his 2019 move from Benfica, Joao Felix has not been able to live up to expectations at Atletico Madrid. Aside from a few flashes of brilliance, the Golden Boy winner has struggled to adapt to Diego Simeone’s conservative tactics.

In his 95 appearances for the Rojiblancos, Felix has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists. However, even during their title-winning campaign last season, he was not distinguished as Atletico’s best forward. 

Felix has lost his place in Simeone’s starting lineup lately. The 22-year-old has fallen behind Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa, Matheus Cunha and Luis Suarez in the side’s pecking order. However, he might find a chance to prove himself in another top La Liga club.

According to Spain-based reported Ruben Uria, the forward will most likely leave the club in the near future. Speaking to radio show Carrusel Deportivo, Uria claimed Barcelona are keeping tabs on the young forward.

This is not the first time Barcelona have shown interest in Felix. The club hoped to sign the player on a swap deal with Antione Griezmann last summer. However, Atletico rejected their offer and only agreed to sign Griezmann on a loan deal. The Blaugrana were also among Felix’s suitors before he moved to Atletico in 2019.

In December, another Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda claimed Barca might make a move for Felix as soon as this winter.

 “Joao Felix wanted to leave, but it has been complicated by his salary,” Inda said on Spanish football show El Chiringuito.

“[Diego] Simeone has given the go-ahead for his departure and it may be in the summer market, most likely.

“One of the clubs that love him is FC Barcelona, where he would fit in with the style.

“Barca would take him on loan with an obligatory permanent option.”

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