Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted that Joao Felix has made up his mind to leave the club this summer.
Cerezo has provided an update on the former Benfica forward future following speculation surrounding the Portugal International’s next move.
The Spanish club president said Joao Felix is ready to depart the 2021 La Liga champions before next week’s Europe transfer window closes.
What happened to Joao Felix?
The 23-year-old Portugal International forward fell out of favor in the Atletico Madrid squad due to a disagreement between him and the club’s head coach Diego Simeone.
Following this, the former Benfica player was sent on a loan to Chelsea last season but failed to perform up to expectations for the Blues in his first season in the English Premier League.
The Portuguese returned to Atletico after the conclusion of last season but he hasn’t played a single minute for the Spanish club side.
Felix wasn’t allowed to participate in pre-season or Atletico Madrid’s first two matches.
Diego Simeone neither wants him around nor does he want to be. However, all efforts to secure his desired European relocation have thus far been ineffective.
Atletico Madrid acquired Felix in the summer of 2019 when his agent Jorge Mendes convinced the La Liga outfit to break their transfer record and made the then 19-year-old player the most expensive player in history behind some notable football stars.
Only Neymar Jr., Philippe Coutinho, and Kylian Mbappe at the time were more expensive than the youngster with Atletico paying the release clause of about £114 million to facilitate the signing of the then teenager in installments.
His arrival coincided with Atletico Madrid’s £63 million release clause transfer of midfielder Rodri to Manchester City. During the time Antoine Griezmann was about to be sold to Barcelona.
Joao Felix was on the verge of being Atletico Madrid’s new talisman but things went otherwise for the Portugal forward who has cost the club so much money.
Despite formerly being one of the most intriguing choices in European football, barring a significant reorganization of the transfer market, the 23-year-old Joao Felix might be moving to Saudi Arabia in September.
However, the FC Porto academy product has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona and he’s also hoping to join the team.
Felix has already acknowledged he wants to play for the Catalan, but a transfer is obviously problematic because of the club’s financial problems.
Meanwhile, according to reports, the 23-year-old is not a priority for Xavi Hernandez.
The forward has been linked to several teams, but it appears he is still clinging to the dream of playing for Barcelona.
Spanish outlet, Ferran Martinez’s reports emphasized that Felix’s operation is not particularly understandable.
President Joan Laporta claims that the player has a passionate fanbase, but Xavi and Barcelona’s new sports director Deco are not entirely convinced.
Joao Felix’s stats for Atletico Madrid since 2019
The Portuguese International has represented Atletico in 129 games, scoring 33 goals and recording 17 assists.
Atletico Madrid president provides his verdict on Joao Felix.
He said: “It’s very clear, that Joao Felix doesn’t want to play for Atleti. Whether other teams want him, that’s another debate”.
What’s next for Joao Felix?
If Felix is unable to get the desired European transfer, the Saudi Arabian window remains open for 20 days after the closure of the European window, he might see himself heading to the Middle East.
