Joao Felix's struggle for consistency at Barcelona, a battle against time

However, the Portuguese talent's journey hasn't been the smooth ride many anticipated.

Under the helm of coach Xavi Hernandez, Felix, 24, has yet to secure a permanent spot in the starting line-up, raising questions about his adaptation to the team dynamics.

While there have been glimpses of brilliance, notably in matches against Atletico Madrid and FC Porto, Felix's performances have been marred by inconsistency and periodic absences, according to reports from SPORT.

Following a tumultuous preseason with Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, Felix secured a loan move to Barcelona until June 2024, facilitated by his agent Jorge Mendes. This move was seen as pivotal for Felix, who aimed to prove his value to both the club and its supporters.

However, as the season progressed, Felix struggled to meet expectations. Despite possessing undeniable talent and creativity, his defensive contributions remained lacking, hindering his chances of becoming a linchpin in Xavi's plans, unlike his counterparts Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

With just five La Liga games remaining, Felix finds himself in a race against time to leave a lasting impression on Barcelona's hierarchy. 

His future at the club hangs in the balance, compounded by financial constraints and doubts within the sporting commission regarding his indispensability.

Should Felix return next season, it's likely to be under similar conditions of loan and reduced salary. However, Atletico Madrid's stance on this arrangement remains uncertain, contingent on various factors.

In essence, Felix's journey at Barcelona is characterized by a struggle for consistency and a pressing need to prove his worth in the limited time remaining. As the clock ticks, the footballing world awaits to see if Felix can turn the tide in his favour at the Camp Nou.

READ MORE: Ralf Rangnick shuns Bayern Munich, commits to Austria ahead of Euros