Xavi has reportedly asked that Barcelona purchase Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this summer.
With a reputation as one of Europe's finest developing talents, the 22-year-old joined Atleti for €127.2 million in 2019. However, the Portuguese attacker has only had a brief stay at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, and his style of play may not be compatible with Diego Simeone's.
Felix has 106 appearances for Atleti, scoring 27 goals and assisting 15 times. He is still regarded as one of Europe's most admired forwards today. Barcelona is said to be interested in signing the former Benfica striker. The Blaugrana are looking for a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who is due to leave as a free agent this summer.
Felix is a tremendous fan of Xavi, according to El Nacional, and the two appear to have a mutual regard.
The Spanish coach is reportedly pressuring Joan Laporta, the club's president, to bring the striker to the Camp Nou. Laporta has stated that he admires the 22-year-old. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told RAC 1 (via FootballTransfers):
"Joo Félix is one of my favorite actors. A swap with (Antoine) Griezmann was attempted in the summer, but Atlético refused."
Felix might thrive under Xavi's new enthralling system at the Blaugrana, where he has led the squad from ninth to third place in La Liga.
Furthermore, Xavi's 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid in El Clasico a few weeks ago demonstrated that Barcelona is reclaiming their proper spot among Europe's greatest.
Is Joao Felix on his way to Xavi's Barcelona?
Xavi continues to make substantial changes at the Camp Nou ahead of the summer, with two key coups all but confirmed. Andreas Christensen of Chelsea and Franck Kessie of AC Milan have both joined the Blaugrana on a free transfer (per Fabrizio Romano).
Not only have they signed to deals with these two, but they have also begun talks with Raphinha of Leeds United. Barcelona is in early talks with Deco, the Brazilian forward's agent, according to Romano, with a €25 million relegation clause being mentioned.
Dembele's impending exit may have influenced the club's choice to chase both Raphinha and Felix.
With his contract set to end this summer, there are contradictory rumours about the Frenchman's future at the Camp Nou. The Blaugrana have approached the winger for negotiations about a new contract, according to Sky Sports, but El Nacional believes he is on his way to PSG.
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