Why Barcelona will NOT sign Joao Felix in permanent Atletico Madrid transfer this summer - explained

The Blaugrana signed Felix on the final day of the summer transfer window on an initial loan deal without a buy option. And although there have been scattered reports that they are planning to make his move permanent, the Madrid club's hefty asking price would make a deal difficult, according to Marca.

Barcelona are reportedly eager to bring the Portugal international in on a permanent deal, but their worrying financial state would seem to make a transfer tricky. The Blaugrana cannot afford him - but remain open to negotiating another loan deal for the 24-year-old.

In recent months, Felix has admitted he is open to staying in Catalonia: "As you can see, I'm happy where I am, I feel good, confident and I feel like I'm going through a good moment. The most difficult thing is to maintain a good level, something that I have not achieved for some time in recent seasons. But I work every day and I always try to improve to correct those less positive aspects of myself. And yes, I am happy and going through a good time."

While Barca won't meet the Madrid club's asking price for Felix, they might yet attempt to negotiate a deal. Felix, for his part, has fallen out of the Blaugrana line-up in recent weeks, with Pedri preferred in his inverted left-wing role.