Joao Felix Set to Leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona This Summer
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is set to leave the club this summer and join Barcelona, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 23-year-old had hoped to remain at Chelsea following his loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season, but after struggling to make an impact, the Premier League club have opted not to pursue a permanent deal with Atletico.
Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all been linked with a loan move for Felix this summer, but the Portugal international appears to be intent on joining Barcelona. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: ‘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’.
‘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.
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.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to make a move for Felix this summer. The Spanish giants have already spent big on the likes of Sergio Aguero and Georginio Wijnaldum, and may not have the funds available for another big-money signing. However, if they can find the money, it appears that Felix would be keen to make the move.
The forward reported back for pre-season training with Diego Simeone earlier this month but cut a frustrated figure as he spent part of the sessions away from the first-team squad. It is clear that Felix is keen to move on and join Barcelona, and it will be interesting to see if a deal can be done before the transfer window closes.
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