The huge pay cut that Joao Felix took when leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona has been revealed by Blaugrana vice-president Eduard Romeu.
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Portuguese headed to Camp Nou on loanEarning a fraction of previous salaryHoping to earn permanent move in 2024WHAT HAPPENED?
The Portugal international forward went chasing his “dream” during the summer transfer window when completing an initial loan switch to Camp Nou. He has settled quickly in Catalunya, with the talented 23-year-old registering three goals and as many assists for Barca through eight appearances.
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He had spent the second-half of last season on loan at Chelsea, with the Premier League side picking up all of his €289,000-a-week salary. Barcelona are paying nowhere near that amount, with it revealed that Felix is earning just €7,700-a-week with the reigning La Liga champions.
WHAT THEY SAID
Romeu has told : "It’s true, Joao Felix has reduced his salary to €400,000 to join. It is the case of a person who has made a very important effort to join. It's very nice to see this from a guy who was probably not at his best at his club, but here he has been magnificent. Make no mistake about it, however, the club that gave Felix to us has an interest in this being a great showcase. Hopefully, at the end of the year, we will have the conflict of having to consider his continuity."
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Barca’s deal for Felix includes no purchase option, meaning that they will need to negotiate any permanent transfer with Atletico. It is reported that the Rojiblancos will be demanding around €80 million (£69m/$85m) for a player that cost them €126m (£109m/$134m) when he moved to Spain from Benfica in 2019.