FC Barcelona is starting to make drastic decisions, Hansi Flick arrived with a clear idea and no intention of being swayed by names. One of the first to be singled out was Joao Félix, the German coach didn't hesitate to inform the club that he wasn't counting on the Portuguese striker. According to sources close to the locker room, Flick considered that the footballer was "overrated" and didn't fit into the project.
The former SL Benfica player never managed to settle at Barça, his performance was inconsistent, his appearances in important matches were scarce, and his defensive involvement left much to be desired. Xavi's bet on him had already been discussed, but with Flick's arrival, the decision was final. The player was directly excluded from the sporting plans for the season.
Given this stance, the club had no choice but to send him back to Atlético de Madrid, Joao Félix returned to the red-and-white discipline knowing that he didn't have a place there either. Diego Pablo Simeone had already made it clear in the past that he didn't want to count on the Portuguese, the relationship between the two was broken and there was no turning back. Atlético, aware that keeping him was a problem, moved quickly, the options in the market weren't many, but Chelsea appeared on the radar again.
Flick was right
This time, not for a loan as in 2023, but for a permanent deal. The London club closed his signing for a fee lower than the desired amount, which meant a considerable financial loss for the colchonero club. However, the problems didn't end there; in his first season as Chelsea FC's property, Joao Félix didn't convince, his attitude was once again at the center of the debate.
The inconsistency in his play, his limited influence on the scoreboard, and an alarming lack of commitment were reasons for criticism. Mauricio Pochettino barely counted on him and ended up requesting his departure. The result is a new loan, this time to Italy, Milan bet on the Portuguese's talent. A one-season loan with no purchase obligation, the Rossonero club hopes to recover the best version of Joao, although they're not ignoring the background.
Joao Félix is Laporta's failure
His time at the culé club has become an anecdote, occasional goals, a few moments of quality, but no continuity. Neither his talent nor his surname was enough to convince the coaches that he deserved to stay. His performance didn't justify his salary, nor did his attitude help him secure his place.
Flick wasn't wrong, his analysis was direct and effective, excluding Joao Félix was an unpopular decision on social media, but the right one in sporting terms. Barça needed cleaning and order. For the German coach, talent without commitment is a luxury that can't be afforded.