Joao Felix makes HUGE Barcelona decision amid Aston Villa interest

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 3 Aug 2024 12:04 BST
3 min read

Joao Felix is holding out for a return to Barcelona, according to reports.

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The striker's future remains uncertain and any deal is likely to be decided in the final weeks of the transfer window.

Even though he has enjoyed a decent pre-season at Atletico Madrid, Felix is not expected to stay in Diego Simeone's squad for the upcoming campaign, with multiple clubs interested in the Portuguese player.

Aston Villa and Benfica are have been reported to be the frontrunners in the race for his signature, but now Sport, the Spanish outlet, have reported that Barcelona is his preferred move and he is waiting for the Catalans to make an offer.

At the moment, Benfica cannot meet Atletico's financial demands, so there will need to be some degree of compromise for Felix to return to his former club.

Current ETV

João Félix

F (CL)

Atlético

João Félix

F (CL)

Atlético

ETV Range

€37.2M - €62M

Indeed, the attacker hopes that Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco see the value of bringing him back,

Currently, Barcelona's priority targets are Nico Williams and Dani Olmo but there are complications tied to both deals for the Spain internationals.

Felix's potential return to Barcelona hinges on the club's ability to secure their primary targets first.

Joao Felix's transfer history

© IMAGO - Joao Felix is unlikely to stay at Atletico

Felix cost Atletico €120 million in 2019 when he joined from Benfica. In 96 appearances for the Colchoneros, he’s scored just 25 times. In the 2022/23 season, he had a poor loan spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.

Following that and his return to Atletico, he released a shock statement via Fabrizio Romano which read: "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”.

The 24-year-old got his wish and joined Barcelona on loan for the 2023–24 season, alongside his Portugal teammate Joao Cancelo. He scored 10 goals in 44 games but the La Liga giants have not provided any indication they wish to bring him to the Camp Nou again.