Transfer Centre

Diego Simeone addresses Joao Felix future amid Barcelona links

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 July 2023

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says that 'nobody is above the club' when questioned on Joao Felix's future at Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said that the 'nobody is above the club' when questioned on the latest speculation surrounding Joao Felix.

The Portugal international spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea after his relationship with Simeone allegedly broke down.

Felix is back at Atletico this summer, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future, with both parties believed to be keen to separate on a permanent basis during the current window.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the 23-year-old is determined to make the move to Barcelona this summer, calling the Catalan outfit his 'dream club'.

Simeone was asked about Felix during the team's training camp in South Korea, and the Argentine reiterated the importance of the team while discussing the unsettled attacker.

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

"The most important thing is that none of us within the team are more important than Atletico," Simeone told reporters during a press conference.

"Atletico is more important than us. When we arrive at the club, there are values such as commitment, humility, respect. Until the last day we have to have it, wherever we are. Let it be clear, nobody, but nobody is above Atletico de Madrid."

Felix signed a new contract at Wanda Metropolitano before making the move to Chelsea on loan in January, with his current terms due to run until June 2027.

However, Atletico are only believed to have signed the Portuguese to a new deal in order to protect his valuation with a view to a big-money sale during the current window.

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

Felix found it difficult to show his best form for Chelsea in the second half of last season, only managing four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

Manchester United have been linked with his services this summer, although there is not believed to be anything concrete at this stage, while Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also said to be admirers.

Felix has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico since making a big-money move to the Red and Whites from Benfica in the summer of 2019.

Despite the recent speculation, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has played down suggestions that the forward could depart this summer.

Simeone's side will begin their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a pre-season friendly against a K-League XI on Thursday.