According to former Atlético winger Paulo Futre, a number of top clubs were offered the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix before his eventual loan move to Barcelona.

In an interview with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero, Futre revealed that Felix was offered to several top clubs, but none wanted to take a chance on him.

For Felix himself, he wanted to sign for Barca – a club he tagged as his dream club.

“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 João had made were his doing and he said no,” he said.

“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. João said no when there was an agreement between Atleti and Aston Villa at the beginning of July.”

Joao Felix has turned out to be a top player for Barcelona this season.