João Félix, who for many years was almost a superstar, could become one of the few players who actually gets a boost from playing desert football. He started out at Benfica, who made huge money in 2019 on a move to Atlético Madrid for an incredible €127.2 million.
It was really the start of a slow downturn. Chelsea bought him five years later for just over €50 million. Barcelona, who have had João Félix on loan, were offered him last year, but they were not willing to pay the €35 million transfer fee.
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The Portuguese footballer wants to return to Barcelona in 2027. – Which is not impossible as he has actually played his way up in quality. For example, he provided Portugal’s first goal in the Nations League match against Norway earlier in the week.
João Félix, a 26-year-old Portuguese striker, has indicated to Barcelona’s transfer market that he wants to return in 2027 when his contract with Al-Nassr expires. Barcelona will only consider the operation if he arrives as a free player and if a place opens up in the attacking line – with Dani Olmo being one of the names that could create space.
João Félix wants to return to Barcelona
João Félix has already informed his closest circle of his intention to return to Barcelona, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, has conveyed this desire to the club. The Portuguese played on loan at the Catalan club in the 2023/24 season, where he recorded 10 goals and 6 assists in 44 official games.
The return will not involve a transfer fee. His contract with Al-Nassr expires on June 30, 2027, so he can join Barcelona without the club having to pay for his rights if there is no extension before that date.
The current performances also support the player’s suggestion. João Félix has scored 30 goals and provided 22 assists in 55 games since joining Al-Nassr, and this season he has amassed 4 goals and 3 assists in seven games, according to figures cited by AS.
Barcelona need space – and Dani Olmo comes into the picture
The biggest obstacle for João Félix will not be the transfer fee, but the composition of the squad. Barcelona currently have several attacking options, and any increase for 2027 will depend on the departures that happen in the upcoming transfer windows.
In this scenario, Dani Olmo appears. The Spanish international is under contract with Barcelona until 2030 and has a buyout clause of €500 million. However, his name has appeared in recent reports related to possible interest from Bayern Munich in the January market.
Bayern are following Olmo’s situation, with “Sky Sports” suggesting a possible bid of €80 million in January. However, there is no confirmation that Barcelona have decided to sell the midfielder, or that this operation is directly linked to João Félix’s return.
The contract with Al-Nassr keeps another path open
João Félix’s contract situation could still change. His ties to Al-Nassr expire in 2027, although the club could extend it until 2028. However, the player is not keen on staying in Saudi Arabia for another two years.
The next decision point will come in January 2027, when João Félix can approach the final phase of his contract and negotiate his future with more room for manoeuvre. Barcelona will then have to decide if there is an opening in the attack and if the Portuguese’s arrival fits into their plans for the summer.
If that opening occurs, João Félix could become a free option for Barcelona. If there is no offensive space, the return will be conditional – despite the player’s wishes.
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