WATCH: Joao Felix breaks down at Barcelona presentation as his childhood dream came true
The Joao duo becomes the 11th and 12th Portuguese players ever to sign for Barcelona.
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Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix (via Barca Blaugranes)
Joao Felix was reduced to tears during his Barcelona presentation. A club he has loved since childhood, he now joins the Catalans after spending 6 months on loan at Chelsea from Atletico de Madrid. Unveiled alongside his Portuguese compatriot Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix now plays for the colors of Blaugrana.
Joao Felix, prior to the transfer, had exclusively told Fabrizio Romano that playing at Camp Nou was a dream. “I’d love to play for Barça,” he adds. After moves for Bernardo Silva and Neymar (a return from PSG) failed, João Félix finally got his dream move as the player now joins FC Barcelona on loan for the remainder of the season. The player has reduced his wages by 50% to make this move possible. Due to Barcelona’s wage cap, this sacrifice was crucial as it allowed them to sign the Portuguese duo together.
“Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça,” Felix on his love for Barcelona. He has played against the Blaugrana in the colors of Atlético. However, in 8 appearances he managed 0 goals and 0 assists. The 2019 Golden Boy, who cost £113m has still not proved his worth for Diego Simeone. Fans always felt that the fee was too big for prospects.
Still only 23, Xavi will now have the headache of deciding where to place the Portuguese. With young players in abundance such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, Xavi will find it difficult to find his starting XI with so much talent. A problem most managers would be thrilled about.
Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix become only the 11th and 12th Portuguese players to have ever signed for Barcelona.
Where does Joao Felix play in Barcelona?
With Joao Felix’s loan move to Barcelona confirmed, where will the club deploy him? Felix has played the majority of his career as a second striker. However, that is a position that is overloaded with midfield talent, the likes of İlkay Gündoğan and Frenkie De Jong occupy. Felix can also operate from the left where Xavi was forced to play Gavi in their last game against Villarreal.
Xavi, however, is not afraid to experiment with positions as he played a 3-4-3 against Cadiz CF with Pedri and Gavi playing more forward. With Pedri injured, the Portuguese could find him deployed in a similar position, one he is used to playing. He could also be deployed off the bench as a substitute to ensure fatigue does not plague the team as the season goes on.
Fans will be curious to see how the Joao Felix fares in his new club. With the player already having a fall-out with Diego Simeone, the forward will be looking to perform to gain a transfer elsewhere.
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Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)