Aston Villa are all set to rival Barcelona in their pursuit of the services of Joao Felix, who is also wanted by his former club Benfica.
According to Duncan Castles, Aston Villa have entered the race for the services of Joao Felix as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season. Unai Emery wants more firepower in the final third as they prepare to feature in the Champions League, and they are willing to rival Barcelona.
Felix had an exceptional rise at Benfica which resulted in a big-money move to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019. While he had a decent start to life with the Colchoneros, the Portuguese winger has failed to live up to the expectations, and his relations with Diego Simeone seem to have completely broken down.
The Portuguese international was on loan at Barcelona last season. He had a decent spell where he was involved in 44 matches and ended up contributing with 10 goals and six assists. Despite only being on the pitch for just over 2,100 minutes, he managed to have quite a name impact.
While Felix is back at his parent club and still has five years left on his deal with them, he is unlikely to be reinstated in their first team. Simeone’s team seem ready to sanction his permanent departure, and Barcelona are keen on having him in their squad.
Barcelona and Aston Villa want Felix, Benfica submit bid
The Catalan giants are quite impressed with what they have seen from the 24-year-old during his spell at the club. Barcelona feel he could be a great addition to their squad going ahead and are working towards striking a deal with rivals Atletico Madrid.
With Barcelona struggling to raise the needed funds, Aston Villa have an opportunity to secure his services. Unai Emery wants to have more quality in the final third. While Samuel Iling-Junior has arrived at the club, they still need another proven left-winger, and Felix could be a great addition to their squad.
Aston Villa have Champions League football to offer, which could work in their favour. While the English club are ready to rival the Spanish giants and they have needed funds, there are other clubs in the mix as well. Felix’s former club Benfica are also keen on having him in their squad.
They are on the lookout for an opportunity to further strengthen their flanks and feel bringing Felix back could be an exceptional move from their end. They have already submitted a bid worth €32.5 million, and it will be interesting to see how Atletico react to it.