Atletico Madrid are likely to demand ‘more’ than £85 million for Joao Felix amid interest from Premier League trio Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle United, Fabrizio Romano writes on Twitter.
You may have been wondering, as Joao Felix ran rings around the Swiss defence during Portugal’s 6-1 last-16 victory at the Qatar World Cup, why on earth Atletico would ever consider cashing in on a footballer of such outrageous talent and seemingly unlimited potential.
Well, the answer to that question begins with ‘Diego’ and ends in ‘Simeone’.
Felix, who became the fifth-most expensive player in football history when he joined Atletico from Benfica for a staggering £113 million, always felt like an awkward fit at the Wanda Metropolitano. A free spirit working under the game’s most uncompromising disciplinarian.
A racing stripe on an armoured tank, if you will. Ok, yeah it looks fancy in the right light. But, overall, largely superfluous and more than a little awkward.
Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal like Atletico Madrid and Portugal ace Joao Felix
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil admitted last week that Felix is likely to leave after falling out of favour under Simeone. As if Jorge Mendes didn’t have enough on his plate. Amid all the uncertainty surrounding the future of one Cristiano Ronaldo, the super-agent is now heading to England to discuss a transfer for another of his most high-profile clients. Arsenal and Newcastle are just two clubs throwing their hat into the ring (Mirror, 11 December, page 68).
Marca, meanwhile, believes that Aston Villa are also in the race. Things have certainly changed at Villa Park since the days of Jonathan Kodjia and James Chester.
“Joao Felix; prepared to leave Atletico Madrid in 2023. He’s open to a new experience. There are chances to make the move in January,” explains Romano.
Atleti, he adds, hope to recoup much of their £133 million. investment.
“Atletico (will) try to ask for more than 100 million euros. Mendes is discussing with many clubs.”
‘A top, world-class player’
Now, Newcastle and Aston Villa may have some of the most ambitious and deep-pocketed owners around, but Financial Fair Play limitations make a £85 million deal highly unlikely. Perhaps a short-term loan is more possible. One that would allow Felix to play regular first-team football elsewhere, while potentially raising his value ahead of a big summer sale.
According to The Athletic, Mendes is pushing Felix in the direction of Villa following the appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s head coach.
“Signing him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history,” Miguel Angel Gil tells TVE.
“I think he is a top, world-class player. But because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives.
“It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But that’s not the player’s plan.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
