Paul Futre, a former Portuguese international and Atletico Madrid forward, has revealed that Joao Felix was presented to Manchester giants prior to his successful transfer to Barcelona.
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Felix rejected
Following the conclusion of Joao Felix’s loan spell at Chelsea in the summer of this year, Futre reported that the Portuguese forward was presented to a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, but none of them were interested in acquiring the player. Atletico Madrid also reportedly held negotiations with Aston Villa regarding a potential transfer, however, the player himself rejected the transfer.
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Futre reveals
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Futre said, “When João said he dreamed of playing for Barça I began to live a nightmare that lasts to this day. I called him [Mendes] and told him that the statements that Joao had made were his doing and he said no. We argued on the phone and he told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I verified what he told me because I have friends and it was true. Later he had spoken with Manchester City, I also checked and they didn’t want João either.
“What happened between João and Cholo [Diego Simeone] happens every day in football. It’s something normal. What is not normal is that phenomenal coaches knew that João was a genius (…) he entered their game system, but nobody wanted him. Neither Arteta, nor Guardiola, nor Klopp, any club… My question is why? The only team that has wanted him has been Aston Villa. Joao said no when there was an agreement between Atleti and Aston Villa at the beginning of July,” he added.
After being turned down by the Premier League champions, the 21-year-old joined Barcelona on a loan agreement for one year on the final day of the transfer window. The transfer has proven to be a beneficial one for the young forward, who has registered three goals and two assists in four matches so far this season.
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