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Forward determined to secure Barcelona move this summer

Forward determined to secure Barcelona move this summer
© Reuters
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix hopes that he will remain at Barcelona beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Joao Felix is hopeful that he will secure a permanent switch to Barcelona during this summer's transfer window, but the forward has admitted the situation 'does not depend on him'.

The Portugal international made a loan move to Camp Nou from Atletico Madrid in the final stages of last summer's transfer market following months of speculation surrounding his future.

Felix has been an important player for Xavi's side this season, scoring nine goals and registering six assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona are working to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but an agreement with Atletico will be difficult to find, with the reigning La Liga champions having well-documented financial problems.

Atletico have Felix on a contract until June 2029 and will not accept a cut-price fee for the Portuguese, but it is also unlikely that he has a future at Wanda Metropolitano due to his strained relationship with the capital outfit's head coach Diego Simeone.

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid on December 3, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona are working to keep hold of Felix

Felix has expressed a desire to remain with Barcelona, claiming that he and his family are "happy" in the city, but the forward accepts that the situation 'does not depend on him'.

"We'll see what happens next year, my family is happy and I'm happy. I would like to stay but it doesn't depend on me," the attacker said in an interview with journalist Gerard Moreno.

"The signing for Barca was the last day, there was nothing planned. I had to go to the stadium in the morning to unblock contractual issues that I had to renounce.

"It was either I renounced or they wouldn't let me come to Barca. We will see what will have to be done to stay at Barca, many things can change, it doesn't depend only on me."

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Real Betis on September 16, 2023© Reuters

Felix hopeful head coach Xavi stays at Barcelona

Felix has also urged Xavi "to reconsider" his decision to stand down as Barcelona boss this summer.

At the end of January, following a home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi revealed that he would be leaving his role as manager at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

However, the La Liga champions have won eight of their 11 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process, since the announcement, and there have been growing calls for the 44-year-old to consider a change of heart.

"I would like Xavi to reconsider his situation. He has great ideas and he is a very young coach. The people in Barcelona love him a lot," Felix added. "We didn't expect Xavi's departure. It was a surprise."

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has said that Xavi is wanted as part of "a long-term project" at Camp Nou, confirming the club are attempting to keep hold of the ex-midfielder beyond the end of the season.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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