Atletico Madrid demand €60 million for Joao Felix, not interested in Barcelona’s ‘ideal plan’
In a recent interview, Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club’s intentions to keep Joao Felix for next season. The president has always been a fan of the Portuguese starlet and hopes that one more term can bring the best out of him.
“I think both Joaos will continue. I hope that Atletico Madrid do not cause any inconvenience in Felix staying with us,” he said.
His intention, however, was not to sign Felix on a permanent deal. The young phenom has not done enough to warrant a transfer, but Laporta hopes to renew his loan for one more season with a purchase clause of less than €30 million attached.
Atletico’s veto
As revealed in Mundo Deportivo‘s latest update, Los Rojiblancos do not see eye to eye with Barcelona’s plan for Felix.
Atletico Madrid wish to get the player off their roster permanently at the earliest and are thus hesitant to accept a new loan deal. Further, they hope to attract a significant sum in transfer fees and invest the same in rebuilding their squad.
Diego Simeone’s side currently demand €60 million for Felix’s permanent transfer, a figure that is exorbitant considering the player’s fluctuating form.
With the two sides not sharing views over his future, Felix could well end up at a third club come June.
Jorge Mendes is aware of the new development and is said to be working on a solution that satisfies all parties involved, although it does appear complicated.
Simeone with the pressure
As revealed earlier today, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is directly demanding a quick resolution of Felix’s future so as to plan his project.
A return to Civitas Metropolitano is out of the question considering the poor relationship between the player and the Argentine tactician. Everything thus plays in Barcelona’s favour barring the financial aspect.
With Felix not convincingly making a statement through his performances this season, it appears difficult for Atletico Madrid to find suitors at that price. In the end, it could well be the Madrid-based side who are forced to compromise.
