New Delhi: Atletico Madrid’s young Portuguese attacker Joao Felix’s future has been uncertain ever since the transfer window opened. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at FC Barcelona where he had a decent time, contributing to 16 goals in 44 games for the Blaugurana. The relationship between Los Rojablancos and Felix has soured over his time in Madrid and after a reported fall-out with current manager Diego Simeone, his future seems to lie away from the Estadio Metropolitano.
Felix has expressed his desire to continue at Camp Nou several times and while the Catalan giants do want to keep him at the club, their financial situation makes them unable to do so. Barcelona can only work on incomings after selling a few in order to register new players. While the club has sold players like Marc Guiu and Chadi Riad to the Premier League and offloaded Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso off their wage bill, their priority lies in bringing Spain’s UEFA Euro winner, Nico Williams to the club.
Not to mention Atletico’s hefty demands for the Portuguese seem to have priced out Barcelona for a move. This might open the door for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to swoop in and try to get the talented attacker. Emery is preparing his side for a maiden UEFA Champions League campaign and his focus is bringing in quality players and those who have experience of playing in Europe’s elite competition.
🚨🟣🔵 João Félix, appreciated by Unai Emery as possible option for Aston Villa.
Deal considered extremely difficult on financial point of view for total package; but Villa considering João after selling Diaby.
↪️🇵🇹 Barça remain in the race but full focus on Nico Williams now. pic.twitter.com/9yoiXpsiQt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2024
Felix has tonnes of experience playing in the UEFA Champions League and does still possess the talent he showed at Benfica which prompted Atletico to spend a club record fee on him. Being given a chance in a team where he can be the undisputed star might do him well and finally unlock his full potential. The deal will be difficult for the Villans to pull through given the finances involved though.
However, Villa have already managed to snatch two targets away from Barcelona, completing a deal for Everton midfielder Andre Onana and bringing back Jaden Philogene from Hull City. They could still sneak Felix from under their noses as well. Having just agreed to a deal with Al-Ittihad for the sale of Moussa Diaby, they are due to receive a hefty chunk of money from the Saudi Arabian side and the move also leaves a spot open in the starting lineup for Felix to slot right in.
The risk involved in the move is heavy as the attacker’s previous stint in the Premier League wasn’t particularly impressive. He spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea but struggled to showcase his talent at Stamford Bridge, scoring just four goals in 20 games during his stay.
Unai Emery has already completed the signings of Ross Barkley, Enzo Barranachea, Samuel Illing Jr, Andre Onana, Lewis Dobbin, Jaden Philogene, and Ian Maatsen in preparation for the UEFA Champions League campaign. Adding someone with the abilities and talents of Joao Felix would certainly signal their intent for the upcoming season.
Aston Villa manager is looking to pull off a surprise move for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix as he prepares his squad for their first UEFA Champions League campaign. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
