The efforts of the powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona to make the signing of João Félix permanent could yet be aided by a former member of the club’s defensive ranks.
That’s according to Diario Sport, who have today provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes on the Spanish transfer market.
It is of course common knowledge that Barcelona are hopeful of bringing frontman João Félix back to the club with a view to next season.
The Portuguese is currently in the midst of a season-long loan from La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid, with Félix, despite his inconsistencies, having seemingly done enough to convince Deco and his team of directors of the merits of making his stay a permanent one.
The one stumbling block, however, was always likely to be the fee involved.
Atlético are expected to demand a premium sum for a player for whom they once splashed out over €100 million, with Barcelona’s financial situation meaning that some form of compromise will be needed to strike a deal.
As alluded to above, though, the Blaugrana could yet be aided in their efforts to drive Félix’s price-tag down by way of a surprise source.
The source in question? Jean-Clair Todibo.
As per the aforementioned Sport, citing transfer insider Santi Aouna, Atlético Madrid have identified defender Todibo as a priority signing for the summer.
Negotiations with OGC Nice, in turn, are soon expected to be kicked into gear over the terms of a deal.
And Barcelona will be keen to afford their counterparts at the Wanda Metropolitano a helping hand in any such operation.
This comes with the Catalans boasting a 20% sell-on clause on Todibo, who was on the books of the club from 2019 through 2021.
In the case of Atlético striking a deal for the Frenchman, Barca would in turn benefit financially, in the process aiding efforts to land João Félix.
Conor Laird | GSFN
