Benfica raise Joao Felix offer as Atletico Madrid seek to leave Barcelona empty-handed | OneFootball

Most assumed that sooner or later, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona would end up having to negotiate a fresh loan deal for Portugal international Joao Felix this summer, with the 24-year-old set on staying in Catalonia. Yet the interest from Benfica has cast doubt on that.

Yesterday it emerged that Benfica were offering €15m for 50% of Felix’s rights, with Atletico keen to reach an agreement for a permanent exit – their demands are €25m. Sport now quote Record, who say that Benfica’s offer is now €20m, closing in on the fee demanded by Los Rojiblancos, who hope he would raise his value again.

Barcelona are informed of all the developments regarding his future, but the Catalan daily go on to say that Benfica still need to persuade Felix to return to the club. His current salary is also an issue, and he would likely have to take a large pay cut in order to return to his boyhood club. Barcelona will require Felix to remain committed to them without considering other offers in order to seal an agreement again.

Felix’s salary could work in Barcelona’s favour, but equally he was willing to slash it last season for the Blaugrana. It is not the same to return to his hometown club, but it does show he is willing to prioritise a playing situation over his wages. While Barcelona are an attraction in of themselves, Felix is likely facing another season coming off the bench for the most part, while Benfica would likely build around him.