Transfer Centre

Xavi 'not interested in bringing Joao Felix to Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 August 2023

Barcelona head coach Xavi does not want to bring Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix to Camp Nou this summer, according to a report.

Barcelona head coach Xavi is reportedly not interested in bringing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix to Camp Nou during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are set to lose Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain, with Xavi confirming following Tuesday's friendly with AC Milan that the Frenchman will leave the La Liga champions to move to Paris.

Felix has been strongly linked with a switch to Camp Nou, as the Portugal international prepares to leave Atletico before the end of the summer market.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the attacker recently expressed a desire to move to Barcelona this summer, calling the Catalan outfit his 'dream club'.

The Portuguese spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea from Atletico, but he penned a new deal at Wanda Metropolitano before his move to Stamford Bridge.

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

Chelsea passed up the chance to sign him on a permanent basis, as he only managed four goals in 20 appearances for the Premier League outfit in all competitions.

Atletico head coach Diego Simeone said that 'nobody is above the club' when asked about the recent speculation surrounding Felix.

The forward has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for the Red and Whites since making a big-money move to the club from Benfica in 2019.

Felix has not been involved for Atletico during their pre-season, with the forward not even on the bench for the clash with Manchester City last time out, fuelling suggestions that he will leave.

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

According to Marca, Barcelona will sign a replacement for Dembele this summer, but Xavi does not want the club to pursue a deal for Felix.

The report claims that the Portuguese is not 'the profile of player' Xavi is looking for, while Atletico's Yannick Carrasco is also not a target despite the recent speculation.

Barcelona have won two of their three friendlies this summer, beating Real Madrid and AC Milan after losing their opener 5-3 to Premier League giants Arsenal.

The Catalan outfit will now face Tottenham Hotspur in the Joan Gamper Trophy final before beginning their 2023-24 La Liga campaign away to Getafe on August 13.