One of the final moves Barcelona made on Transfer Deadline Day was acquiring Joao Felix on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.
The day after, the Portuguese forward was officially unveiled as a new Barcelona player.
“Everyone knows that I am happy to be here, it is a dream for me,” Felix said. “I come to help the team and it is a unique feeling. When they told me Barça were interested I was very happy. In the end, thanks to everyone’s efforts it has been possible.
“With my dad and my brother we used to watch Barça and we have always been fans of this great club. I have had that dream since I was young and I have worked hard to make that goal of coming here happen.”
Barcelona was Felix’s first choice after it became quite clear that he wasn’t in Diego Simeone’s plans nor did Felix really want to be at Atletico Madrid.
It was Felix himself who initiated the move as he openly expressed his desire to play for Barcelona. His quotes made plenty of headlines and Barcelona alluded to them in their tweet announcing his arrival.
His dream came true 😏 pic.twitter.com/oiEvrXlDkz
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023
“We are signing a great talent who will be able to express himself in a system which is perfect for him,” said Barcelona president Joan Laporta. “He is one of the players who has shown most commitment and desire to make the move to Barça. He is really motivated and this signing would not have been possible without all the hard work.”
Joao Felix is a very talented player and the move to Atletico Madrid never seemed to be the right fit. A player of his attributes isn’t the prototypical “Cholo” Simeone player and it came to pass.
Barcelona like to play a more fluid attack and he should be in a system where he can flourish. The question is with Xavi Hernandez opting to use four midfielders, it will be interesting to see how much playing time he earns. Especially with Ferran Torres putting in good performances so far this season.
Felix may not have to wait long to make his Barcelona debut as he was included in the squad list for Sunday’s match against Osasuna.