ASTON VILLA TRANSFER NEWS: ATLETICO MADRID CHIEF CONFIRMS PLAYER WANTS OUT
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed that Joao Felix wants to seal a late transfer away from the La Liga team amid interest from Aston Villa and Al-Hilal.
The 23-year-old has been ‘clear’ with Cerezo that he no longer sees his future being at the Colchoneros. Felix returned to the Metropolitano Stadium this summer after joining Chelsea on loan in January. But he has only lurked on their fringes whilst having an uncertain future.
Diego Simeone is yet to field Felix for a single second through Atletico Madrid’s opening two games of the season. He even left the 31-cap Portugal international out of their squad away to Real Betis. Atleti drew 0-0 after starting their La Liga season with a 3-1 win over Granada.
Aston Villa and Al-Hilal are interested in Joao Felix’s transfer
Felix faces a potentially frustrating end to the transfer window, though, as he remains under contract until 2027. The forward agreed to join on an eight-year deal from SL Benfica in July 2019. He also cost the Colchoneros £113m but has only scored 34 goals in 131 appearances.
Chelsea also only gained four goals in 16 Premier League games after paying £9m for a loan deal in January. Felix would now like to return to England with Aston Villa showing interest in his transfer, per Rudy Galetti. Villa Park chiefs are carefully tracking his situation with Atleti.
What has Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo said?
Aston Villa are prepared to hold out to deadline day to agree to Felix’s transfer from Atletico Madrid. But Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi may face rivalling interest from Saudi Arabia. He has huge interest in the Middle East with Al-Hilal, in particular, pushing for a deal.
Yet Cerezo is unsure of to what level teams are actually looking to sign the Viseu native. But Felix has made his desires to leave the Colchoneros ‘clear’ to the Atletico Madrid president.
“Joao Felix is clear that he does not want to play for Atletico Madrid,” Cerezo told La Sexta. “Whether they want him at other clubs, that’s a different question. But even if he doesn’t want to be, he’s still an Atletico Madrid player.”
