Atletico Madrid were never planning to allow Joao Felix to leave the club this summer, according to a report.

Barcelona were linked with Felix throughout the transfer window and tried to offer Antoine Griezmann as part of a swap deal for the 21-year-old.

Griezmann did end up returning to Atletico on loan on deadline day, but Felix did not head in the other direction, instead staying at the Wanda Metropolitano.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico did not even consider letting the forward go because he has "always been considered untouchable" by the club.

Felix moved to Madrid in 2019 from Benfica, scoring 19 goals in 76 appearances and helping the club win La Liga last season.