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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Aston Villa want Joao Felix</li><li>Won't join Barca permanently</li><li>The Villans have signed Onana</li></ul>

Aston Villa emerge as shock contenders to sign Joao Felix as dream of permanent Barcelona transfer is dashed

The Portuguese forward, who spent the last one-and-a-half seasons on loan at Chelsea and Barcelona, could return to the Premier League this summer as Aston Villa have emerged as shock contenders to sign the player, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/22/aston-villa-joao-felix-target-atletico-madrid-moussa-diaby-sale-al-ittihad" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-joao-felix-benfica-president-atletico-madrid-attacker/blt91f562476c765d2b#csa36c2533fa8d52b9" target="_blank">Felix's future, at the moment, remains uncertain</a> after his loan spell at Barcelona came to an end after the 2023-24 campaign. Despite the forward's desire to stay at Camp Nou, Barcelona's priorities appear to have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/hansi-flick-barcelona-sign-players-win-games-spain-nico-williams-dani-olmo/blt1c52ebc6401ec6e2" target="_blank">shifted towards other targets</a>, namely Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. Also, <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2024/02/28/65df1647e2704eb1268b459d.html" target="_blank">Marca</a> reported earlier this year that the Catalan Giants will not be able to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-barcelona-will-not-sign-joao-felix-permanent-atletico-madrid-transfer-explained/bltba313cb54f967859#csa557ea506254af20" target="_blank">complete a permanent transfer of the attacker</a> due to their financial constraints.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Villans are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season as they prepare to participate in the Champions League this year. They have recently received a huge financial boost after sanctioning the sale of Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for a whopping transfer fee of €60m (£50.5m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Unai Emery's side are currently in the US for pre-season and will face MLS side Columbus Crew in a friendly match on Sunday. The club have been busy in the transfer window and have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/aston-villa-sign-amadou-onana-unai-emery-gbp50m-signing-everton-midfielder-arsenal-chelsea/blt735a0900cd824929" target="_blank">announced the signing of Amadou Onana</a> in a £50m deal from Everton.

WHAT NEXT FOR ASTON VILLA?

Aston Villa emerge as shock contenders to sign Joao Felix as dream of permanent Barcelona transfer is dashed | Goal.com

Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Joao Felix this summer as his dream of joining Barcelona permanently is dashed.