MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 13:53:51| >> :120:3606:3606:

Xavi: 'Too early to discuss permanent deal for Joao Felix'

Xavi: 'Too early to discuss permanent deal for Joao Felix'
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi says that it is "too early" to discuss the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on a permanent deal.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that it is "too early" to discuss the possibility of signing Joao Felix on a permanent deal during next summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old made the move to Camp Nou on loan from Atletico Madrid in the final stages of the summer transfer market.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to have made an attempt to sign the Portugal international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, there is believed to have been strong Saudi Arabian interest in him, but the forward held out for a 'dream move' to Barcelona.

Felix has been in strong form in the early stages of his Camp Nou career, managing three goals and one assist in three appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on September 3, 2023© Reuters

The Portuguese has revealed that he took a "significant" pay cut in order to make the move to Barcelona, with the club needing to be inventive due to their financial problems.

Barcelona's new director of football Deco has confirmed that the club will consider moving for Felix on a permanent deal next summer.

However, any switch is likely to prove expensive, as Atletico have the forward on a contract until June 2029.

Felix's future at Wanda Metropolitano is unclear due to his alleged strained relationship with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone, and he could potentially again be at the centre of speculation next summer.

Barcelona head coach Xavi on July 30, 2023© Reuters

Xavi has lavished praise on the forward for his adaptation to life at the club, but the Barcelona head coach has said that talk of a permanent switch is premature.

"He cooperates very well and can be another midfielder between the lines as well. Not only does Robert [Lewandowski] benefit from it, but also the entire team," said Xavi during his press conference on Friday.

"It's early to talk about the signing of Joao Felix. Let's see how things go, he's happy, he's helping us, like [Joao] Cancelo. First we have to see how the season goes and hopefully he continues on this path."

Felix scored on his full league debut for Barcelona against Real Betis last weekend before netting twice and providing an assist in the 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the Champions League.

Barcelona will be bidding to make it six straight wins in all competitions when they host Celta Vigo on Saturday evening, and Ronald Araujo is back in the squad after a spell out through injury.

ID:524726:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4686:

Joao Felix future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Xavi

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Real Betis on September 16, 2023
Read Next:
Felix confirms he took "significant" pay cut to join Barcelona
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!