Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stated that Joao Felix has a future at the club, despite Chelsea’s rejection of a permanent deal for the forward.
The Portuguese attacker, who was signed by Atletico for €126m from Benfica in 2019, has struggled to make a significant impact in La Liga.
Reports of a strained relationship between Felix and Simeone led to the Portugal international joining Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season during the January transfer window.
However, the 23-year-old has not done enough to convince Chelsea and their new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, that a permanent move should be pursued this summer.
While Atletico is actively seeking to sell Felix before the start of the next season, Simeone remains firm in his belief that the forward still has a place in his squad and would welcome him back.
While speaking in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, the manager said:
“Joao is an Atletico Madrid player who, if he does not have a place at Chelsea, as Pochettino apparently said, he will have to come to Atletico de Madrid, he will have to work with us again, and obviously we will be willing to give him the best for that he can improve in what we believe is important.”
“I don’t have any problem with anyone. I have a very open head to give myself up. We have to see if Joao’s departure is good financially for the club, and that’s not where my figure enters.”
Barcelona has previously shown interest in Joao Felix, and their president, Joan Laporta, holds admiration for the forward. Felix is represented by Laporta’s associate, the well-known agent Jorge Mendes.
Must Read: Mauricio Pochettino prepared to part company with Real Madrid target Kai Havertz
Diego Simeone admitted that Felix’s style of play would make him an important player at Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez. However, the financial aspect presents a significant obstacle for the Catalan club.
Atletico Madrid, known for their reluctance to sell to Barcelona at discounted prices, would aim to recoup a substantial portion of the €126 million they initially invested in Felix.
Even if they were open to negotiations around €80 million, it would still pose a significant challenge for Barcelona, especially as they are currently focused on convincing La Liga that they have the means to afford a potential return of Lionel Messi.
Also Read: Inter Milan stepping up their efforts to sign Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah
Whereas for Chelsea, the departure of Felix leaves space open to bring in another quality attacker this summer. Pochettino will be planning for a successful transfer window to help the club in gaining back its form.
The Blues had a very poor season and the manager needs to ensure that he has the right players around him to help them crawl back to the top.
