Transfer Centre

Xavi sacking 'opens door for Joao Felix stay at Barcelona'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 June 2024

Barcelona's decision to sack Xavi could benefit Joao Felix's chances of joining the club permanently from Atletico Madrid, according to a report.

Barcelona's decision to part ways with head coach Xavi could reportedly benefit Joao Felix's chances of staying with the Catalonian giants for next season.

A comical managerial soap opera ended with Xavi being sacked by Barcelona towards the end of May, a few weeks after he was announced to be staying on as head coach.

The Spaniard had originally told the press in January that he planned to resign at the end of the 2023-24 season amid Barca's struggles, repeatedly insisting that nothing could make him change his mind.

Xavi eventually did have a change of heart after discussions with president Joan Laporta, but he then angered his superior with comments made about Barca's financial difficulties and chances of winning the 2023-24 La Liga title.

As a result, the Blaugrana board ultimately gave Xavi the boot and replaced him with former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, which could supposedly spell good news for one attacker.

FC Barcelona coach Xavi looks on on May 16, 2024 © Reuters

Felix agent 'pushing for second Barcelona chance'

Atletico Madrid loanee Felix fulfilled a lifelong dream when he joined the Blaugrana on loan for the 2023-24 season, but his first campaign in Catalonia brought about mixed success.

The 24-year-old registered 10 goals and six assists in 44 matches for Xavi's side, but there has been perennial uncertainty over whether he will continue in Barca colours for the 2024-25 season.

According to Sport, Xavi did not see Felix as part of his future plans at Barcelona, but now that the former Blaugrana midfielder has departed, he could reignite his Camp Nou career under Flick.

The new Barca boss is supposedly not entirely convinced by the Portugal international, but he is mostly ambivalent at this stage, and Felix's agent Jorge Mendes is pushing hard for his client to be given a second chance.

Furthermore, Laporta and sporting director Deco are always believed to have been in favour of keeping Felix, who is still contracted to Atletico until 2029 but has no future at the club while Diego Simeone is in charge.

Barcelona attacker Joao Felix on October 28, 2023 © Reuters

The ex-Benfica starlet also has no intention of continuing his career in Saudi Arabia, but he is confident that he can explode at Barcelona if Flick places his complete trust in him.

Which attackers could leave Barcelona to make way for Felix?

Felix joining Barcelona on a permanent deal would certainly benefit both him and parent club Atletico, although his proposed return to Camp Nou may not materialise without a couple of sales first.

The injury-riddled Ansu Fati has failed to live up to his Lionel Messi heir tag, and after an underwhelming loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Spain international is now on the chopping block.

Reports have claimed that Barcelona could also earn as much as £85.2m by selling Raphinha to a Saudi Pro League club this summer, but the Brazil international is still keen to stay at Camp Nou.

Vitor Roque's situation has also been a hot-button topic amid his lack of game time, and the 19-year-old's agent has already talked up the idea of an imminent exit.