REVEALED: THE PLAN TO BEAT BARCELONA AND ASTON VILLA TO JOAO FELIX'S SIGNING AS BENFICA PREPARES TO BIDE THEIR TIME IN A BID TO RESCUE THEIR FORMER STAR FROM HIS ATLETICO MADRID NIGHTMARE
Benfica is reportedly devising a plan to outmaneuver both Aston Villa and Barcelona in the pursuit of their former player, Joao Felix, who currently plays for Atletico Madrid. This move highlights Benfica's determination to bring back a talent who not only began his professional journey with them but also became one of the most promising young players in European football during his time there.
Joao Felix has been actively seeking an exit from Atletico Madrid for nearly two years. His desire to leave stems from a deteriorating relationship with Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, which has made his position at the club increasingly untenable. Despite being a highly talented player, Felix has found himself out of favor under Simeone's tactical approach, which has led to him exploring opportunities elsewhere.
According to reports from the Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica is hoping to capitalize on this situation by bringing the 24-year-old back to the club where his career began. Felix, who was once the golden boy of Benfica, made a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a staggering £113 million ($144m), making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history. However, his time at Atletico has been fraught with challenges, and a return to familiar surroundings could be seen as a way to rejuvenate his career.
Benfica’s plan, however, is complicated by interest from other clubs. Aston Villa, a club that has been increasingly ambitious in the transfer market, is reportedly interested in securing Felix's services. Additionally, Barcelona, where Felix spent the last season on loan, is also in the mix. The Catalan giants have been monitoring Felix's situation closely, and their interest adds a significant challenge for Benfica in the race to sign the player.
Financially, Benfica faces an uphill battle. The report indicates that the Portuguese club cannot afford the £28 million ($35m) required for 50% of Felix's transfer fee. This financial constraint limits Benfica's ability to compete with wealthier clubs like Aston Villa and Barcelona, who could more easily meet Atletico Madrid’s demands. Nevertheless, Benfica is not without options. The club is reportedly planning to wait until closer to the end of the transfer window, specifically August 30, to see if Felix remains unsigned. If he does, Benfica intends to propose a loan deal with an option to buy, a strategy that could allow them to secure the player without the immediate financial burden.
Moreover, Benfica might consider raising additional funds to facilitate the transfer by selling other assets. Record mentions that David Neres, a target for Napoli, could be sold for just over £25 million ($33m). This potential sale, combined with the £60 million ($76m) already earned from selling Joao Neves to Paris Saint-Germain, could provide Benfica with the necessary financial flexibility. However, despite these sales, Benfica’s financial situation remains tight, reflecting the challenges they face in this ambitious pursuit.
As the transfer window inches closer to its closure, the future of Joao Felix remains uncertain. While it’s clear that he has no future at Atletico Madrid, where he has been sidelined since his fallout with Simeone, his next destination is still up in the air. Benfica's efforts to bring him back would not only be a significant coup for the club but also a homecoming story for Felix. However, with strong competition from Aston Villa and Barcelona, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining where Felix will play this season. The outcome of this transfer saga will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for all clubs involved and for Felix’s career trajectory.
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