Sport: Barcelona were ‘first choice’ for Joao Felix before Milan move – the background | OneFootball

Joao Felix was offered to Barcelona before he secured a move to AC Milan on deadline day in the winter window, a report has claimed.

According to Diario Sport, Joao Felix would have looked favourably upon a return to Barca during the winter mercato. The Portuguese forward was offered to the LaLiga side in the last few weeks of the window, but they rejected the option.

The Portuguese forward has never hidden his desire to play for Barcelona because the philosophy of the game suits his style. Chelsea facilitated his loan exit, paying part of his salary, and Joao’s ‘first choice’ was Joan Laporta’s club as it has been since his time at Atletico Madrid.

Jorge Mendes spoke with the president and Deco, but they said no to the idea of bringing him back. Barcelona were looking for an attacking reinforcement in the last few weeks of the market, but they wanted a winger who could also act as a centre-forward, like Marcus Rashford.

Rashford ended up at Aston Villa in the end, while the report goes on to add that Hansi Flick’s relationship with Felix is ​​good. The German coach also considered his signing when he was at Bayern Munich and in the summer had given the green light to his arrival, but it was never a priority.

Meanwhile, in an interview released by the club, Joao Felix made it clear that he really wanted to join Milan.

“I pushed hard to come here; I want to give my all for this club. I already knew Conceicao, his passion is contagious and winning is essential. Kaka has always been my idol. I saw myself in him and tried to emulate him. The fans’ warmth has been incredible, I want to make them happy,” he said.