Transfer Centre

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix 'dreams of joining Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 July 2023

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, who is being heavily linked with a summer exit, allegedly 'dreams' of making the move to Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix reportedly 'dreams' of making the move to Barcelona.

The 23-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs, including Manchester United, being linked with his services.

Felix returned to Atletico for pre-season training last week, but he spent time away from the main group amid suggestions that he will be leaving during the current market.

The Portugal international's relationship with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone is believed to have broken down in the first half of last season, which led to him joining Chelsea on loan in January.

Felix only managed four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues, though, and the Premier League club decided against signing him on a permanent basis.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the match on January 12, 2023 © Reuters

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently played down suggestions that the forward will be leaving this summer, but he will allegedly be allowed to leave for the right price.

Man United are said to have opened talks over a possible deal for the forward, with the 20-time English champions considered to be long-term admirers.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Felix 'dreams' of making the move to Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit also previously being linked with his services.

The report claims that Barcelona's financial problems make a deal unlikely this summer, with Atletico thought to be against letting him depart on another loan.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023 © Reuters

Felix made the move to Atletico from Benfica in January 2019, and he has represented the Red and Whites on 131 occasions, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

The Portuguese signed a new deal at Wanda Metropolitano before his January departure, meanwhile, with his current terms due to run until June 2027.

Barcelona are not currently believed to be in the market for a new attacker, although the situation could change if Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres or Raphinha were to depart.

Felix has played 96 times in Spain's top flight during his time at Atletico, scoring 25 goals and registering 14 assists, while he managed four Premier League goals for Chelsea in the second half of last season.