Barcelona brought in Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid last summer, amid hopes that he would finally put together a season that showcased his ability on a consistent. Come the end of it, Barcelona fans have been left feeling much the same about the Portuguese as many Atletico Madrid fans.

Felix dropped out of the starting team in January, after a promising start in Catalonia, and Tot Costa (via Sport) have confirmed what seemed to be the case at the time – Xavi Hernandez was never keen on the 24-year-old forward. His arrival was accepted as an alternative after Ansu Fati departed on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion on loan, as Felix was cheaper. After 21 starts in his first 27 games, Felix then managed just three in the following 16.

Xavi had no issues with his behaviour and did not reproach him for his performances either, but he did not fit the profile of player that the coach wanted on the left side of attack. His conclusion was that Felix was just as brilliant as he was inconsistent, hence his loss of game time.

Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly pushing for another loan to Barcelona now that Xavi has left the club, with Hansi Flick perhaps more open to giving him another chance. Whether Mendes manages to convince Barcelona, or the club manages to convince Flick remains to be seen, but certainly there is little evidence on the pitch that Barcelona should want him back more than Atletico Madrid.