Joao Felix is set to return to Atletico Madrid this summer after spending the season on loan at Barcelona.
In 2019 Atletico smashed their transfer record to sign the Portuguese playmaker from Benfica, paying £127million to bring the teenager to the Estadio Metropolitano.
However, Felix has struggled to find his feet in La Liga, and despite ten goals in all competitions for Xavi’s side has failed to shake his reputation as an inconsistent performer in Catalonia.
As such, it appears Barca will not look sign him permanently once the window opens, leaving him in limbo once more.
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, the Colchoneros are willing to allow Felix to leave for around €60 million (£51m) this summer, though his wages are likely to rule out a move to all but the wealthiest of potential suitors.
Returning to play under Diego Simeone is a possibility for Felix next season though another loan move is said to be the more likely next destination for the 24-year-old.
Felix spent the latter half of last season on loan at Chelsea as the club endured a dismal run of form towards the end of the campaign.
He netted four Premier League goals from 16 appearances and expressed his ‘love’ for the Blues but they ultimately opted not to sign him after Atletico demanded £87m to make his move to Stamford Bridge permanent.
A host of Premier League clubs were reportedly interested in Felix over the summer, but he ultimately opted to remain in La Liga.
Another loan, this time to the Blaugrana, appeared to offer Felix a new dawn as he described joining the Catalan giants as a ‘dream’ move in September.
‘Barcelona has always been my first choice and I would love to join them,’ he said.
However, despite occasional flashes of brilliance at Barca including a triumphant display against his parent club in which he scored the winner before infuriating Atletico supporters by blowing a kiss at them back in November, Felix again struggled to force his way into the starting XI.
Before joining Barca Felix signed a multi-year extension to his deal at Atletico that will see him remain at the club until 2029.
