After having spent the last season on loan at FC Barcelona, the Portuguese forward Joao Felix is facing a very uncertain future this summer. The player wants to keep on playing in the blue and garnet jersey for the next season as well, but the Catalans have other priorities and are willing to incorporate the player only on their own terms.
Felix has performed well with Atletico Madrid in the preseason, but it is very unlikely that he will spend the next season with the Mattress Makers, especially after the arrival of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City. Simeone does not want him in his squad, but Atletico are also not open to letting him go for cheap, thus limiting the options of a transfer.
In such a scenario, SPORT claims that the most realistic option for Felix this summer remains the Premier League side, Aston Villa. Unai Emery wants the Portuguese in his team for the next season.
Villans have been trying to arrive at a deal for him for some days now, but Atletico’s high economic demands, reaching up to €50 million, have kept the operation from arriving at a successful completion.
As things stand, the English side is pushing for things to come to fruition as soon as possible, and have warned they are going to make only one last offer for the forward.
They understand that Atleti need to sell to regain their financial health after Alvarez’s signing, and also want Felix to join as soon as possible as there are only a few days left till the next season starts.
Meanwhile, Benfica and Barcelona are also waiting for stars to align so that they can sign the Portuguese international. Benfica cannot afford a permanent purchase, but can partially acquire his rights if he significantly reduces his salary demands. Meanwhile, Barcelona are looking to repeat the formula of last year, i.e., a loan with a moderate salary for the player.
