Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix dreams of joining Barcelona

Joao Felix has revealed his eagerness to sign for boyhood club Barcelona as he aims for the Atletico Madrid exit.

Felix was loaned to Chelsea for the latter half of the 2022/23 season, but the deal did not include a purchase option. After scoring four goals in 20 appearances, Chelsea decided not to pursue a permanent transfer.

Currently back at Atletico, it is understood that Felix has once again expressed his intention to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona being his preferred destination.

"I'd love to play for Barca," he told Fabrizio Romano. "Barcelona has always been my first choice and I'd love to join Barca.

"It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me."

According to reports from Spain, Barcelona had actually reached an agreement in January 2022 to sign Felix. The deal involved an initial payment of €70million, with an additional €65million in add-ons. However, the transfer was hindered by Financial Fair Play regulations.

After spending an additional year at Atletico following the failed Barcelona move, Felix is now actively seeking a new club.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly in negotiations to sign Felix, who has been valued at €90million by Atletico.

However, this fee would likely be too high for Barcelona unless they generate significant revenue through player sales.

PSG are considering a loan deal for Felix with an option to buy him permanently, whereas Atletico are pushing for an obligation to purchase.