Aston Villa and Manchester City are not interested in moving for Joao Felix, as the Portuguese star’s future remains uncertain.
According to Corriere de Manha via Sport Witness, Aston Villa and Manchester City are unlikely to join the race to sign Joao Felix. The 24-year-old Portuguese attacker’s future remains uncertain, as Atletico Madrid are keen to offload him as soon as possible, as he’s not part of Diego Simeone’s plans.
Joao Felix’s situation looks grim
Joao Felix was one for the future when Atletico Madrid splashed around €120 million to sign him from Benfica many years ago. He has shown his talent in flashes, but he has already burned his bridges with Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who no longer wishes to have him anywhere near the first team.
Atletico are keen to sell him as soon as possible, preferably before the start of pre-season. The 24-year-old is expected to arrive later this week from his holidays, and the club are looking at potential solutions, including a sale back to Benfica. Benfica are considered top contenders and are willing to offer a reported €30 million for 50% of his rights.
That means that should Benfica sell him in the future, Atletico will be entitled to 50% of the transfer fee received for Felix. However, there was hope for the Portuguese attackers, as Barcelona showed some early promise about re-signing him.
The Catalans have substantial financial issues to make a commitment for Felix, who did have 16 goal contributions last season while on loan there. There has been some interest from the Premier League, although nothing has materialised to a stage where it can be deemed as concrete.
No Aston Villa or Manchester City in Felix’s chase
Aston Villa were heavily linked lately, but the club may not pursue a move for Felix in this window. There are no clear reasons why they are out of the running, although the main reasons could be the finances involved in this deal, including the high wages the 24-year-old might demand.
Some outlets linked Manchester City with a report stating Atletico could have proposed a swap for Felix and Julian Alvarez. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have never been interested in the Portuguese, and hence, they are unlikely to enter the race for the player.
