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Barcelona: Xavi highlights key Joao Felix quality after loan move

Xavi at Barcelona
© Ace Football
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The Portuguese star’s “dream move” to Barcelona was completed on the transfer window’s deadline day.

Xavi Hernandez has reacted to Barcelona’s loan move for Joao Felix, praising the 23-year-old’s versatility.

Felix returned to Atletico Madrid after his underwhelming loan spell at Chelsea last season. But he managed to complete another loan switch before the transfer window, joining Barcelona until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

“He is a natural talent, a fast player who can play on the left, inside, he can adapt to the three positions up top,” Xavi said of Felix’s arrival.

“He will help us a lot just like Joao Cancelo.”

In an interview with Fabrizio Romano in July, Felix opened up on his desire to play for the Catalans.

“I’d love to play for Barça,” he said. “Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”

Barcelona have reportedly agreed to pay an €8m loan fee to Atletico for Felix while also covering his full salary. The Portugal international will miss Barca’s upcoming match against Osasuna, possibly making his debut for the Catalans vs. Real Betis on September 16.

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