Barcelona pause permanent Joao Felix transfer talks after coaching staff members raise 'doubts' over Atletico Madrid loanee

Felix's summer move to Barcelona was expected to relaunch his career, since he closely aligns with the club's style of play. He started on a bright note and chipped in with important goals against Real Betis, Atletico and Valencia. However, the Portuguese playmaker's performance levels have dipped in recent weeks, which has sown seeds of doubt in the minds of the coaching staff.

According to Sport, the Blaugrana were preparing to advance negotiations with Atletico this month to retain Felix permanently. However, those discussions have stalled since there are internal doubts within the coaching staff about his performances. The Portugal international was drafted in after Ousmane Dembele's departure to Paris Saint-Germain, and was expected to thrive at Barcelona, but his future is now in doubt.

Felix was denied a start in the last two league games and when he was thrown back into Xavi's lineup against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, he was a shadow of his former self and contributed little in attack before being substituted. Barcelona remain aware that Atletico would demand a high transfer fee, reportedly around €80 million (£69.3m/$84.8m), for the player as they aim to recoup a portion of their initial £113m ($130m) investment. The reigning La Liga champions are willing to extend Felix's loan with a purchase option for the summer of 2025, but for a figure far lower than what Atletico are demanding.

Felix has already taken a huge pay cut whilecompleting an initial loan switchto Camp Nou in the summer. Hence, the salary might not be a point of contention for Barcelona, but his declining form will definitely defer the negotiations until the end of the campaign, with a return to Atletico now once again a possibility.