Atletico Madrid are close to securing Joao Felix which comes as a blow for Manchester United and Manchester City.
Atletico Madrid have beaten Manchester United and Manchester City for the signature of Joao Felix. The Benfica youngster has been wanted by many clubs, but Diego Simeone seems to have won the race.
Los Rojiblancos are set to land the coveted youngster for a fee of €120 million and the announcement could follow in a few hours, according to Marca. This figure would see Felix become the costliest buy in Atletico Madrid’s history. The Portuguese youngster is seen as an ample replacement for the outgoing Antoine Griezmann.
The French International confirmed his departure from the club and Atletico Madrid CEO confirmed that the attacker would join Barcelona after agreeing personal terms in March. Griezmann’s release clause falls from 200 million to 125 million from July 1 – the date when Barcelona are expected to step up their pursuit for the World Cup winner.
Portuguese publication Record stated that the attacker is already in Madrid and the move could be completed in the upcoming hours. It is a massive statement of intent from Atletico Madrid to land the hottest attacking prospect available in Europe currently.
The 19-year-old was one of the best players in Europe last season. He scored 20 goals and assisted seven from 43 games – a figure which is not matched by many youngsters.
Manchester City had him on their shortlist, incase Leroy Sane leaves for Bayern Munich. But, the German International has been told to stay put by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
On the other hand, Manchester United have the financial muscularity to shrug off others and land him. However, the deal was dealt with a huge blow after the failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Here we go!
There’s about to be another huge summer signing
Joao Felix’s move to @atletienglish is imminent!
🔜🔴⚪https://t.co/uYyKypwJfz pic.twitter.com/x4bs51zgpv
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) June 17, 2019
Atletico could confirm Joao Felix move for £107m imminentlyhttps://t.co/3zKtG35Vl6 pic.twitter.com/vVtd9SNUYz
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) June 17, 2019
Being reported by Marca that Atlético Madrid have won the battle for Benfica supertalent João Félix. He could be announced shortly as new Atlético Madrid player. Atleti will pay the full €120million buyout clause, they report. Man City also said to have been willing to do so pic.twitter.com/uZ0f0oBBWL
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 17, 2019
Portuguese wonderkid Joao Felix is in Madrid ahead of signing for Atleticohttps://t.co/ozFo7x5zLP
— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) June 17, 2019
The transfer of Joao Felix from Benfica to Atletico Madrid is ‘imminent’, and could even be confirmed within ‘the next few hours’.
Los Rojiblancos will pay the €120m in full, a fee that Manchester City had also offered and were willing to pay.
[@marca] pic.twitter.com/69chUyJoCC
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 17, 2019
Joao Felix to Atletico would be interesting from a fiscal point of view. Would be merely reinvesting the Griezmann fee, but crucially dropping the astronomical salary the Frenchman was earning from his contract extension last summer.
— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) June 17, 2019
What’s next?
Atletico Madrid have landed one of the best-prized assets in world football currently.
