Atletico Madrid have set a €60m price tag on the head of Joao Felix.
If Barca refuses to pay this money and the player rejects a move to some other club, Atleti plans to have him in their squad next season, Francisco Diaz of Diario AS reveals.
Felix claims he loves Barca and has proven it with some impressive performances this season. But things slowed for the Portuguese around December with Felix falling out of favour with Xavi and becoming a benchwarmer.
Atleti boss Simeone and Felix did not see eye to eye before the player left for Barca in the summer. But Simeone's stance seems to be changing after watching Felix play some superlative football at Barca.
"Everything good that happens to Joao is good for us, I am happy that he plays so much. If he has to stay in Barcelona it will be an important income for the club and if he returns he can do it better,” Simeone said of Felix.
Simeone's tone sounds like someone leaving the door open for a Felix comeback.
Barca are reportedly preparing to approach Atleti with another loan offer for Felix but this offer will likely be rejected as the Rojiblancos prefer an outright sale.
Felix has bagged 10 goals and six assists in his 41 games for Barca. It's his best goal-contribution return since he arrived in Spain three years ago.
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