Barcelona's search for a new striker has been widely publicized. The Catalans are looking for a new number nine to bolster their attacking system, with Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Robert Lewandowski emerging as major targets.
Barça hasn't had much luck pursuing any of them, with Haaland and Salah set to cost a fortune, and the club not wanting to annoy Bayern Munich by pressing a move for Lewandowski.
In light of this uncertainty, the Barcelona board has identified an appropriate replacement in the shape of Joao Felix, according to SPORT.
For quite some time, the Blaugrana have been keeping an eye on Atletico Madrid's move ahead. His remarkable possession qualities, along with his footwork and technical brilliance, are ideal for Xavi's tactical philosophy.
Atletico Madrid presently has no plans to sell Felix this summer. However, the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is anticipated to advocate for his departure if Barcelona can finish in the top four in La Liga and qualify for the Champions League next season.
Mendes is also expected to help with the departure of other clients such as Goncalo Guedes, Adama Traore, and Trincao, so we might see a transfer merry-go-round this summer.
Felix himself may be interested in a move to Camp Nou, as his technical ability and overall style of play would make him an ideal fit for Xavi's philosophy.
He may play on the right-wing or even as a number nine, perhaps becoming Barcelona's perfect successor for Lionel Messi.
The procedure, however, will be incredibly tough because Atletico Madrid would like to retrieve most of the €120 million they paid on Felix a few years ago. A lot may rely on how Barcelona manages to get rid of their undesired transfer and make income this summer.