João Félix crystal clear on his Barcelona future

João Félix knows where he would like to be playing his football come next season.

The talented 24-year-old scored the only goal in Barcelona's 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid over the weekend and had no issues celebrating it.

There's no question Félix's career had truncated as he was unable to adapt to the style of Cholo Simeone and didn't show as much as he would have wanted during his loan speall at Chelsea. It's why there were some raised eyebrows when he was signed on loan and to make room, Ansu Fati was loaned to Brighton.

Despite a good start to his season, Félix had discrete performances the last month or so. Perhaps it's no reason why Barcelona struggled as a whole as well. But Félix scored the winner against Porto in the Champions League and did the same versus Atletico Madrid.

So it should come as no surprise the Portuguese forward has it clear where he wants to be next season.

"I'm happy at Barcelona. I would like Barça to make an effort to sign me," Félix said after the game.

He knew the spotlight was going to be on him given his time at Atletico Madrid and how he all but forced a move to Barcelona. To his credit, he did not let the noise affect him.

"Every week there is talk about me, for good or bad," Félix said. "I focus on my job without looking at what people say or think. I am working to improve and be a better player."

Xavi Hernandez was asked about Félix post-match and the possibility of the club signing him at the end of the season.

"That is more a question for the sporting director than me," Xavi said, "But I am very happy with him. He is working hard, performing well and is a great kid in the dressing room. I am delighted to have him in the team."

Félix has made it no secret that his dream was to play at Barcelona and now has the opportunity to make his loan move permanent should Barcelona and Atletico Madrid come to an agreement. On his day, he is a different player to any that Barcelona currently count on. The problem is he's inconsistent and shows flashes only here and there. The hope is with the returns of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, he'll be put in more advantageous positions and the consistency will come.

What is clear, given how he was treated by his former teammates and the fact he didn't speak with Simeone, is there is no love lost there.

If he puts in more performances like he did against his parent club, he is going to make it very difficult for Barcelona to not try and reach a deal on a permanent transfer. For now, Félix will need to focus on what he can control and that is his performance on the pitch. Especially if he wants to help Barcelona fight for LaLiga title and make a deep run in the Champions League.