As Barcelona gear up for a hectic summer transfer window, the club has listed several positions in need of reinforcements. One of the areas requiring attention remains the center-forward position, with 34-year-old Lewandowski the Catalans’ only natural number 9.
Club president Joan Laporta has famously availed his ties with renowned agents and his relationship with Jorge Mendes appears to be well documented by now. With the super-agent representing some of Europe’s elite talents, recognized names have frequently been put on the table for Barcelona.
As claimed by Catalan outlet SPORT, Joao Félix looks to be the latest commodity offered to the Blaugranas by Mendes. Following an unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea, as he returns to Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone has not shied away from advertising the Portuegese, even implying Barcelona as a viable destination.
This is not the first time Barcelona have found themselves linked with the 23-year-old. In a report mentioned by Mundo Deportivo, two seasons ago, Barça tried swapping Griezmann with Joao Felix, but Atletico refused.
Despite finances previously standing in the way of a potential transfer, this time Barcelona are opting to back out, owing to contrasting sporting ambitions. Xavi and his staff are reportedly not in favor of the signing.
Felix endured a tumultuous time at Chelsea, with scarce contributions and little value added to the team. In spite of being hailed as a talented prospect by many, since signing for Atletico, the player has struggled to produce high-scoring numbers in the league.
Considering the Catalans’ minimal usage of second strikers as well and preference of a more traditional number 9, Barcelona’s lack of enthusiasm over Felix does not come across as a bolt from the blue.
Heading into next season, Barcelona appear to be more focused on acquiring the signing of Lionel Messi as well as sorting out the dilemma that lies in the defensive midfield department, following Sergio Busquets’ unanticipated departure.
Up front, names such as Vitor Roque and Aubameyang appear to hold more weight. Once La Liga enable clarity by approving the Feasibility Plan, a better idea can be perceived over the club’s aspirations in the center-forward department. Roque remains the dream, but low-cost options like Aubameyang exist in the background.
