Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Fails In Last-Ditch Attempt To Land Sensational Signing As Griezmann Leaves

Barcelona had botched its desperate attempts to land a prominent signing before the transfer window expires.

Lionel Messi’s exit meant that there is a massive void needed to be filled at Barcelona.

Though a bit far-fetched, the Catalans tried to lure a couple of big-name players late in the current window such as Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, Goal reported.

The report said that Felix was included in Barcelona’s “last-ditch attempt” to bring in reinforcements.

However, the reigning La Liga champions were quick to turn down Barca’s loan bid.

Moreover, Atleti also “refused to enter” any type of negotiations with the Catalan club even during the final hours of the transfer deadline, the report noted.

Hoping to make Felix’s potential transfer a lot smoother, Barcelona reached out to super-agent Jorge Mendes. Per the report, Diego Simeone’s side insisted that the Portuguese attacker is not for sale as he is considered as “the crown jewel” of the club in the future.

It was suggested that there are zero chances Felix will be available anytime soon as he is expected to become a figure for Atletico Madrid once again with the club looking to win the La Liga title for the second time around.

Another stumbling block in Barcelona’s chase of notable signings is the widely-known financial crisis in the club, the same reason why the team succumbed to the departure of Messi.

Barca boss Ronald Koeman, meanwhile, had boldly admitted this past weekend that due to “economic” issues, there’s really nothing the club can do in terms of signing new and expensive players.

"I understand what people who love this club can feel, but the economic situation is what it is," Koeman said. "It's frustrating, but you have to be realistic. Economically we can't compete with Paris, City or United. That's right and we have to accept it.”

Aside from Felix, Barcelona is said to have also contacted Manchester United for a potential swoop for Edinson Cavani.

The striker’s arrival at Camp Nou was supposed to be Barca’s shock transfer deadline day move. With Felix’s situation, the Catalans received a definitive no, per famed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

If there’s one thing certain in Barcelona in the final hours of the window, it is that another star is leaving Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid managed to close a deal with Barca that will send Antoine Griezmann back to Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on loan, the club confirmed on Wednesday.