New FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick intends to have Portuguese star for next season as well

Joao Felix, who arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid on the last day of last summer's transfer window, failed to impress at Barcelona over the 2023-24 season, making a return to Catalonia this summer appear doubtful. However, his prospects of re-signing have improved significantly.

According to Marca, new head coach Hansi Flick has informed FC Barcelona management that he welcomes Felix's return on loan for a second campaign. Flick believes the Portuguese forward might make a useful addition to his squad, but no internal decision has been taken. Barcelona has no desire in purchasing Felix on permanently, and thus any subsequent approach will be for another loan. However, it is likely that they will demand that Atleti accept the same terms as the previous season's arrangement.

Considering that Atletico Madrid has no intention of keeping Felix for the forthcoming campaign, Barcelona is far more inclined to get him on their own terms. It needs to be determined whether another loan comes around, however it does appear more likely than before.

Earlier reports suggested Joao Felix won’t return to FC Barcelona

According to Caught Offside, Fabrizio Romano believes Felix's future at Barcelona will be determined by the new manager, but Jorge Mendes, his agent, is pressing for another loan deal to the Blaugrana. 

According to reports, Felix is adamant about not playing in Saudi Arabia, Atletico Madrid is reluctant to bring him again, and Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta believe he may still be useful. They go on to say that Xavi Hernandez didn't want Felix but was compelled to work with him, and it's unclear how much authority Flick will have over team planning this summer. 

Felix will turn 25 years old when next season begins, and he has yet to demonstrate his skills for an extended period of time in Spain. His defensive work rate remains the lowest among the FC Barcelona forwards, and if Flick is adopting a similar 4-2-3-1 style to what he has previously utilised, the number 10 role is most suited to the Portuguese. However, Flick's sides are focused on a high press, which is exactly where Felix struggles the most.