According to a recent report by Tuttosport, Benfica have no intention of selling their Portuguese forward Joao Felix amidst speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool. The same source has also revealed that the Liga NOS giants are in the process of increasing Felix’s release clause which is currently reported to be €120m.
In a recent interview with Tuttosport (translated by the Liverpool Echo), Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira said, “I am happy that all of Europe is talking about Benfica’s talents.
“Now it is clear that our project of betting on young players is bearing the desired results.
“Joao Felix the next Ronaldo? There is only one sure thing: Felix is one of the best talents produced by Portuguese footballer since Ronaldo.
“Juventus’ and Real Madrid’s interest in him? Ask them.
“At this moment we are not interested in selling him and soon we will increase the release clause in his contract.
“Joao has an incredible technique, he is fast and also very intelligent. He is a good person, he shows that he has important values that make me very proud.”
This recent revelation will be a big blow for Jurgen Klopp’s chances of landing the player in the summer. The Reds could have benefited from acquiring a player of Felix’s potential. However, Benfica’s desire to increase his release clause indicates that they are ready to play hard-ball to fend off interest from other clubs.
The Portuguese wonderkid has enjoyed a rich vein of form in recent times and has already put in a series of impressive displays for the Eagles during this campaign. Felix has made 32 appearances for Benfica this term, registering 12 goals while providing six assists across multiple competitions. The 19-year-old has also represented his nation at various youth competitions and is expected to play an integral part for Fernando Santos’ senior side if he can continue making progress in the coming years.
Felix’s potential acquisition would have undoubtedly bolstered Jurgen Klopp’s attacking options at Anfield. The Reds have a lot of promising young players coming through from the club’s academy, but they still need to recruit some young faces in the summer to establish long-term success at Merseyside. Thus, Benfica’s reluctance to sell their prized asset will be a bitter pill to swallow for Liverpool as Felix would have been an ideal addition to their squad.
Klopp should now concentrate on his other targets as it is quite unlikely that a deal to bring Felix to England can be arranged next summer. The English giants are better of splashing the cash on more experienced and proven players to help them win some silverware in the upcoming campaign.
