Joao Felix's future at Barcelona depends on two key conditions that are out of his control - Reports
Joao Felix reportedly faces an uncertain future at Barcelona, with two major factors deciding whether he will spend the next season at the Catalan club or not. The Blaugrana are preparing themselves for a big summer with plenty of catching up to do to topple their arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have clinched the La Liga title quite comfortably this season sitting 12 points clear of Barca ahead of the final gameweek. It certainly won't be easy for the Blaugrana to compete with Los Blancos especially due to their ongoing financial crisis.
Under such circumstances, Joao Felix looks likely to move back to his parent club Atletico Madrid in the summer. The Portugal international's loan deal with Barcelona expires this summer. But as per Sport, the Blaugrana are exploring the possibility of an extended stay.
The report claims that two key conditions will determine whether Felix will get another season at Camp Nou, with the first being Xavi Hernandez's future. The Spaniard has not used the Atletico Madrid loanee frequently this season and the player is said to be far from happy with the manager.
Barca have announced that Xavi will stay another season at the club and that could see Felix returning to Wanda Metropolitano. However, if Barcelona decides to bring in a new manager, Felix might consider staying for at least another season.
However, the second condition is far more critical as Barca simply do not have the financial resources to sign the Portugal international permanently. They could explore the possibility of another loan deal but Atletico Madrid are thought to be keen on a permanent deal and that too for a big fee.
Felix has made 43 appearances across competitions this season although 19 of them have been from the bench. He has contributed with ten goals and six assists which is a solid return for someone who has played just 2,115 minutes of football.
Xavi Hernandez opens up amid reports of possible sack at Barcelona
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has commented on rumors surrounding his future at the club amid reports of a possible sacking. The former World Cup winner with Spain has claimed that he believes that he has the full backing of the board and such reports are wide off the mark.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the Blaugrana's game against Sevilla, Xavi told the press:
"The club reassures me and gives me hope and we continue with the same ambition. I understand all the noise but it doesn't change anything. I am not interested. I receive information, but I am interested in having the confidence of the president and Deco, which is still intact. Nothing has changed. I understand that the media have to publish anything, but for me, nothing has changed."
The Barcelona icon continued:
"We will sit down. If there is something to talk about, we will talk about it. It's been three weeks since we sat here to announce that it was still going on. Absolutely nothing changes. If there is any change, we will say so. I'm calm and looking forward to tomorrow's game. I can't give you any more information."
Xavi announced his decision to step down from his role in the summer back in January. However, the Catalan giants have since managed to convince him to stay for another season and the decision was made public in April.