Joao Felix, the Portuguese star who made his desire to play for Barcelona known a few weeks ago, has arrived in Barcelona and is set to join the Catalan club on a season-long loan deal. According to sources, the deal was agreed upon on the deadline day of the summer transfer window and will be officially announced soon.
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Despite manager Xavi having some concerns about the winger, the club hierarchy seemingly convinced him to go ahead with the transfer, especially with Ansu Fati leaving for Brighton in the Premier League. Atletico Madrid was reportedly holding out for a loan fee of €8 million and wanted the Catalans to cover his entire salary. It is unclear if these demands will be met, but with Barcelona’s poor finances, it is unlikely. Felix is understood to have taken a pay cut to join Barcelona.
The winger has now landed at Barcelona Airport and will be announced around the transfer deadline. The delay in his arrival is because of Barcelona’s approval concerning the La Liga FFP. Due to the delays in the payment arriving from the Libero Football Fund, the Barça board has had to provide personal guarantees to be able to sign and register players. Felix and Jorge Mendes were both spotted at the Barcelona airport.
Barcelona’s transfer business is not likely to be done, as defender Joao Cancelo is also set to join soon. Further departures could also take place, with Ez Abde one of those that looks set to depart for Real Betis before the deadline. Ansu Fati has already left the club for Brighton on a one-year loan deal that does not include a buy option.
