The risks of the Joao Felix operation for Barca
Joao Félix arrived at Barcelona on the last day of the transfer window. He came on loan from Atletico Madrid for a season with no option to buy. The Portuguese fulfilled a dream, as did the club's president, Joan Laporta, who has always been enamoured with his style of play.
The deal was finalized through a three-way agreement, with all parties taking risks: Joao Félix, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
Joao Félix took the risk because he wanted to play for Barcelona. He had come close to joining the club two seasons ago, but it didn't work out then. If it had been about money, he could have accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia, but he wanted to wear the blue and red jersey.
As a result, he agreed to earn just €400,000 gross this season from Barcelona, along with some bonuses for titles. He is confident that his style of play will fit into Xavi's team, and he believes his career will be enhanced. At only 23 years old, he has a long football career ahead of him. His goal is to deliver optimal performance and convince Barcelona to sign him permanently next summer.
Barcelona has also taken a risk with this operation. Joao Félix has always been one of Laporta's favourite players. Laporta tried to bring him to Camp Nou two summers ago as part of the deal that sent Griezmann back to Atlético Madrid, but Miguel Ángel Marín opposed losing the Portuguese.
This time, Laporta succeeded with favourable financial conditions and the belief that Joao Félix will contribute significantly to the team this season. However, there is a risk. Since Barcelona didn't pay anything to Atletico Madrid for the loan, they didn't secure an option to buy. If Joao Félix succeeds, a future transfer could be more costly.
Atlético Madrid has also assumed risks in this operation. They had an issue with Joao Félix, who didn't fit into Diego Simeone's plans and had a difficult relationship with the coach. They resolved it by sending the Portuguese to Barcelona, but not under ideal conditions.
Before joining Barcelona, Joao Félix renewed his contract with Atlético Madrid for two more years, until June 30, 2029. The player ensured that he would earn in these two years what he won't receive this season, and the club spread out the amortization that Barcelona couldn't pay. Atlético is betting that Joao Félix will increase in value while wearing Barcelona colours.
Without a buy option for the Catalan club, if Joao Félix succeeds, they will be in a strong position for future transfer negotiations, knowing that the forward's release clause is €350 million, and Atlético Madrid paid €127 million to Benfica for him in 2019.
