Joao Felix's Barcelona move cost player €17million, he 'did not hesitate for a second'

Joao Felix’s move to Barcelona cost the Portugal international some €17million (£14.5million), it has been claimed.

Last Friday, Transfer Deadline Day, Barcelona signed Atletico Madrid forward Felix and Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo on season-long loans. Neither player has an agreement that includes an option to buy.

Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, joined the Catalan club having fallen out of favour at the Etihad, while Felix made the move after an unsuccessful six-month loan spell at Chelsea last season.

Felix, who joined Atletico for £113million back in 2019, netted just four goals in 20 games for Chelsea.

And while Felix has not played for Atletico since January, he extended his contract there until 2029, before joining the Catalan giants - a move he had previously said was his "dream".

According to Portuguese publication ABola, Felix renounced £14.5million to sign for Barcelona.

The publication explained that Felix had a contract worth €6million (£5.1million) a season. However, upon signing for Barcelona, Atletico only paid the player for July and August.

The Catalan club will reportedly pay Felix €400,000 for the rest of the campaign, which will see the forward lose almost €5million (£4.2million) this season alone.

Moreover, to sign for Barcelona Felix was required to renew his Atletico contract by two further seasons, until 2028.

The new agreement reduced his salary from €6million to €3million (£2.5million) net from next term onwards.

Therefore, the publication noted that Felix’s new terms will see him earn €12million (£10.2million) across the contract’s entirety, rather than the €24million (£20million) he would previously have been due.

Nevertheless, ABola claimed Félix “did not hesitate for a second” such was his desire to play for Barcelona.

Indeed, Felix broke down in tears after completing his Deadline Day move to Barcelona.

Earlier in the window the Portugal international admitted: “I'd love to play for Barcelona. Barca has always been my first choice and I’d love to join them.

“It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”