Debate at Barça over Joao Félix as potential Ousmane Dembélé replacement

The imminent transfer of Dembélé to PSG has sparked a debate at Barça about his possible replacement. The market always offers options but the French winger, despite his irregularity and lack of continuity, is a special talent and will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole. Xavi placed a lot of trust in him and is now left scrambling for the right replacement.

The current economic state and the financial fair play restrictions mean the clubs' hands are tied and will have to work with limited options.

The azulgrana technical secretary favours the possibility of negotiating with Atlético de Madrid a loan move for Joao Félix as long as the pretensions of Cerezo and Gil Marín lower considerably. The duo wish to collect the annual amortization of the player, which is close to 16 million euros.

Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, offered him to Barça knowing that president Joan Laporta likes the Portuguese's game, although the overcrowded attacking reserve (at that time Lewandowski, Dembélé, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Abde with Vitor Roque in the chamber) put a lid on any possibility of negotiation.

The departure of Dembélé could open the door to the arrival of another attacking player. Given that Atletico Madrid and Cholo Simeone are looking to get rid of Joao Felix, this could be a negotiating fragility that the Azulgrana president can leverage to get a good loan agreement.

Xavi though doesn't rate Joao Felix. To replace Dembélé, he prefers a winger and a player who works hard off the ball to help out the team's defence. He also doesn't want someone with a history of disrupting team harmony.

Xavi will have to meet with the sports management to see the different alternatives that can be put on the table and will make his position clear. He doesn't see Joao Felix as an option.