Signed by the Colochoneros for a massive fee of €100 million back in 2019, Joao Felix hasn’t been able to live up to the hype and could leave Atletico, with Liverpool leading the race to secure Felix’s signature, should the deal materialise. The Reds are understood to be very much interested in securing the services of the forward, if the two clubs can reach any sort of agreement.
The former Benfica striker, who, a couple of years ago, was touted to be the next big thing in world football, has been unable to perform as per expectations, and there is the feeling among the decision-making authorities of the club that Felix is not suited to Argentine manager Diego Simeone’s system, as per multiple reports.
Los Rojiblancos have reportedly made contact with Felix’s agent, the unmistakable Jorge Mendes, and have instructed him to find his client a club that can “bring the money”. It is understood that Atleti will let Felix leave the Wanda Metropolitano, if any club can meet their transfer fee expectations, which is assumed to be in the region of €50 million.
Interestingly, three other Premier League clubs have supposedly expressed their desire to sign the prodigious youngster, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and most shockingly, the newly taken-over Newcastle United. However, AS report that Liverpool are comfortably leading the race, with Felix recently admitting that he has a “soft spot” for the Merseyside club.
Felix’s struggles have been further compounded by the return of old favourite Antoine Griezmann, and as a result, the Portuguese attacker has dropped to the bench on multiple occasions this season. He has also been the victim of some injury worries, which have only added to his list of problems at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Felix usually plays the role of a false number 9, similar to that of the Brazillian Roberto Firmino. However, the Portuguese is a versatile talent and can also play on either side of a central forward. With a handful of clubs seemingly interested in the player, it remains to be seen what lies ahead.
