Portuguese forward’s Barcelona dream hit by major contract twist at current club

Joao Felix’s hopes of returning to Barcelona could be in serious trouble, with Al Nassr’s new president planning to trigger a clause that would extend the Portuguese forward’s stay in Saudi Arabia.

As reported before, Felix’s dream is to return to Spotify Camp Nou once his guaranteed contract with Al Nassr expires at the end of the season. 

The Portuguese has remained fond of Barcelona since his loan spell at the club and is understood to be open to returning to Europe.

According to SPORT, however, new Al Nassr president Ahmed Al Sultan has different plans.

Joao Felix Barcelona return faces contract obstacle

Felix has entered the final year of his current agreement, but Al Nassr have an option to automatically extend his contract for another two seasons.

Sultan wants to activate that clause and build the next phase of the club around Felix, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo eventually expected to move into a different stage of his career.

Joao Felix dreams of a Barcelona return. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

That would make a Barcelona return considerably more difficult. 

Felix’s entourage has already been signalling his interest in a comeback, but Al Nassr retaining control of his contract could prevent him from simply becoming a free agent next summer.

The situation is also developing against the backdrop of financial and sporting issues at the Saudi club, with the new board facing several decisions involving contracts, renewals and departures.

Barcelona see Felix as possible market opportunity

It must be remembered that Felix spent the 2023/24 season at Barcelona on loan from Atlético Madrid, making 44 appearances and contributing 10 goals and six assists.

His campaign was inconsistent, though, and neither former manager Xavi Hernandez nor club president Joan Laporta was convinced enough to pursue a permanent deal. 

Barcelona ultimately allowed him to return to Atletico.

Joao Felix could not convince Barcelona to sign him permanently. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Portuguese has nevertheless continued to speak positively about his time in Catalonia and has never hidden his affection for the club.

That is why Barça could view Felix as an interesting market opportunity if the circumstances change.

Felix has no guaranteed place in Barcelona squad

Even if Al Nassr were to allow Felix to leave, a Barcelona return would not necessarily be a priority.

This is because Flick already has several attacking options at his disposal, meaning the club has no immediate need to bring back the 26-year-old. 

Any decision would likely depend on the financial conditions of the deal and whether the coaching staff believes he can add something different to the squad.