Tottenham have joined the race to sign Joao Felix, a target for Aston Villa, but the player’s ambition may see a move collapsing.
According to Onda Cero, Tottenham are interested in signing Joao Felix alongside Aston Villa. The €120 million-plus Portuguese international has plenty of suitors, but only a few that may fulfil his need to play in the Champions League.
Joao Felix is at the crossroads of his career after a failed stint at Chelsea since January. The Portuguese international arrived, hoping to create a big impact for the faltering Blues. Ultimately, he went with the flow of a team that struggled for relevance during the season.
There were rumours Todd Boehly was reportedly interested in making the move permanent. New manager Mauricio Pochettino did not envisage him in his team. Hence, the Blues have decided against signing Felix in the summer, although there was no buy option in that loan deal.
While he returns to Atletico Madrid for pre-season, Diego Simeone does not want the Portuguese international, who Los Rojiblancos signed for a €120 million-plus fee, in his plans. The Argentine and the Portuguese international have tarnished relations, and one will not work with the other.
Hence, a move away from the club seems like the only option that would suit all parties. But where will Felix go? The interest in his is not particularly rife at this stage. Real Madrid were reportedly linked as they viewed the 23-year-old as a replacement for Karim Benzema.
However, they are reluctant to pay a huge fee, which may not materialise. Meanwhile, there’s interest from Aston Villa in the forward. Unai Emery continues to look for a high-profile attacker. They may have the money to bring the Portuguese international.
Now, Tottenham have joined in the chase, as they need to bring some creativity. They might also not end up signing Dejan Kulusevski, leaving massive room for a new addition. While Spurs are an enticing prospect and will let him continue his career in London, they cannot offer Champions League football.
Tottenham could look to add a high-profile attacker to improve their standing. The priority objective would point towards finishing in the top four next season. However, the chase complication comes from Felix, who wants to play in the Champions League.
Newcastle United were also linked, and the Magpies are the only Premier League side to offer him Champions League football. However, Newcastle are unlikely to pursue a deal, which may leave Felix in a fix to choose his next club.
Aston Villa will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League, but that competition may not entice Felix. Hence, seeing him join Emery’s side or Tottenham in the summer is not easy. Hence, with the idea of staying at Atletico ruled out, could another loan move to a Champions League club work for the attacker?
