Aston Villa might be the only realistic destination for 24-year-old Atletico Madrid outcast Joao Felix, with a move to Barcelona unlikely to materialise.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joao Felix is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The 24-year-old attacker has also been a target for Barcelona in the summer transfer window. However, Villa Park might be the only realistic destination for the Atletico Madrid outcast, with the other options withering away.
The Joao Felix situation
Joao Felix has hit a brick wall in his career despite a solid 2023/24 campaign with Barcelona. The Portuguese international does not have a future at Atletico Madrid after his run-ins with Diego Simeone. In addition, Atletico Madrid’s asking price is driving away his prospective suitors.
The 24-year-old struggled with a few fitness issues and was not an undisputed first-choice starter for Barcelona, which meant he managed only 2,143 minutes of game time across 44 appearances in all competitions. However, Felix still contributed to 16 goals by finding the back of the net ten times and providing six assists.
What next?
The Atletico Madrid outcast has done enough to convince Barcelona to pursue his signature in the summer transfer window. However, with the two clubs not finding a common ground on the transfer fees, other suitors, including Aston Villa, have emerged in the race to sign Felix, even though he wants to reject all offers to return to Barcelona.
Aston Villa’s interest in Joao Felix is understandable. The Villans are preparing for a campaign in the UEFA Champions League, which means they need to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window. In addition, with Moussa Diaby moving to Saudi Arabia soon and Jhon Duran facing an uncertain future at Villa Park, Aston Villa can do with offensive reinforcement.
Felix has thus emerged as a viable target, with the West Midlands club having the funds to afford a move for the 24-year-old Atletico Madrid outcast. The latest report has revealed that the Villans are his only realistic option for the summer transfer window.
With Barcelona struggling to muster the funds to secure Joao Felix’s services, Aston Villa will have a good chance of landing him, considering they can offer UEFA Champions League football. It will be interesting to see if a summer move sees the light of day.
