Transfer Centre

Joao Felix makes it clear he wants to join Barcelona this summer

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 July 2023

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix wants to join Barcelona during this summer's transfer window, claims Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix wants to make the move to Barcelona during this summer's transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the attacker back at Atletico this summer following a loan spell at Chelsea in the second half of last season.

Chelsea have rejected the chance to sign Felix on a permanent basis, but there is believed to be Premier League interest in the shape of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently played down suggestions that the Portugal international could be on the move during the summer market.

However, Felix's relationship with his club's head coach Diego Simeone is believed to have broken down, and a move away from Wanda Metropolitano this summer is seen as likely.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on the bench on October 12, 2022 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Barcelona were Felix's 'dream club', and Romano has now revealed that the attacker has signalled a desire to move to Camp Nou.

"Now it's really important to mention that Joao Felix, in a direct conversation I just had a few minutes ago, told me: 'I want to go to Barcelona'," Romano said on his official YouTube channel.

"Joao Felix told me this very clear statement, he added that Barcelona is the biggest dream of his life since he was a kid and it's his first choice on the market.

"These are the words from Joao Felix, he added at the end of the conversation that if this happens it would be a dream come true.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix pictured on August 15, 2022 © Reuters

"We know it's never easy to negotiate with Atletico Madrid, we know how the financial situation at Barcelona makes things complicated, so we're not saying this deal will be easy, but Joao Felix's position is very clear, the statement from the player is that he wants to go to Barcelona.

"A very clear message from Joao Felix and a very clear intention to join Barcelona."

Felix signed a new deal with Atletico before leaving in January, with his current terms due to run until June 2027, placing the Red and Whites in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations.

The forward made the move to Atletico from Benfica in July 2019, and he has represented the capital side on 131 occasions in all competitions, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

Barcelona are thought to be admirers of Felix, but a deal for the forward this summer is likely to be very difficult due to the Catalan outfit's ongoing financial problems.