Atletico Madrid are actively looking for a buyer for their star player Joao Felix. The hefty acquisition from Benfica has evidently failed to reach new heights in Madrid and thus is looking forward to switch sides. A lot of clubs were interested then too, and are showing willingness to acquire his services now as well. According to renowned transfer expert Ben Jacobs, as many as five Premier League sides are ready to swoop in the talented attacker.
Joao Felix joined Atletico back in 2019 after a scintillating season with Benfica which enforced the Rojiblancos to splash a whopping €127 million on his signing. A direct attacking player, Felix choosing a defensive set-up of Atletico under Diego Simeone raised the eyebrows of many, with many even labelling his choice as bizarre. And here we are, the two parties now wanting a separation since the Portuguese prodigy never hit heights he was expected, nor was he going to at Atletico.
Joao Felix has heavy demand from the Premier League
Atletico CEO Gil Marin has already stated publicly that Joao Felix has not future at Atletico and that the player will be sold in the upcoming market. Moreover, a reported rift between Simeone and Felix too has added to the tipping point, as the Portugal international looks for a new club with his super agent Jorge Mendes who handles many top tier clients.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Atletico have slapped a heavy €100 million price tag on Felix, which is making it difficult for his potential suitors to buy him right away. Nonetheless, the Spanish club has an alternative as well in a loan spell for their player with an option to buy. Atletico want a mere €9 million loan feel, with the 23-year-old’s €6 million wages per year for the remaining six months covered as well.
Ben Jacobs has revealed that Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle are in the fray to land the talented striker. All of the aforementioned teams are in a desperate need of attacking reinforcements and are exploring the market for multiple options. The best of them available is definitely Joao Felix, wo has recorded 53 goals and 29 assists in his senior career across Benfica and Atletico.
Further relayed by Fabrizio Romano, he told Caught Offside:
“Both Arsenal and Manchester United have had discussions with Jorge Mendes about Joao Felix, also Chelsea and Aston Villa have been approached. They are informed on conditions of the deal, but still waiting to understand final decision by Atletico Madrid on potential loan as they always asked for €100m fee. I’m told this week there will be new talks to find a way for Joao Felix.”
There is no shortage of offers for Felix as evident, who could only produce 33 goals and 18 assists in his 129 outings for Atletico. But the numbers don’t justify his talent as all of Europe is well versed with the wonders the youngster can work with his flair and fearlessness. The Premier League sides will continue their talks with the player as well as his agent Mendes over the next few days, whereas other interested parties too are ready to make a move.
The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Juventus are hovering above the former Benfica player as well and are ready to meet the demands of Atletico. However, it is being understood that Felix prefers a move to the Premier League where plying style is more direct and attacking which suits his game.