If a report from Spanish publication Marca is believed to be true, Aston Villa are in the driver’s seat to secure the services of Joao Felix. The Atletico Madrid youngster does not have the best of terms with manager Diego Simeone, and therefore, could leave them in the coming days.
The 23-year-old Portugal international is currently enjoying a blistering run in the FIFA World Cup. Despite blanking in the qualifiers, the attacking ace has played his part in their journey to the quarterfinals with one goal and two assists in 3 appearances. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG have kept close eyes on him for quite some time, but the Villans have emerged as the favourites following Unai Emery’s appointment as the new claret and blue boss.
The Rojiblancos CEO Miguel Ángel Gil MarÍn is already in talks with Aston Villa as he himself admitted Felix’s potential exit amid a rift with their Argentine chief. His agent Jorge Mendes is also pushing for a Premier League move and the sheer ambition exhibited by the Villa board could see them striking a deal very soon.
Felix progressed through the academy ranks of OS Pestinhas and Porto before joining Benfica’s youth setup. An impressive spell with Benfica B in the second tier earned him a key first-team status and his majestic display high up the pitch helped them conquer the 2018-19 Primeira Liga silverware. Atletico Madrid splashed a staggering £113m to sign the Portuguese sensation in a seven-year contract, but it has not worked for him in Spain with only 33 goals and 18 assists in 129 appearances across competitions.
Why A Move To Aston Villa Makes Sense For All Parties Involved
While it might sound like a step backwards for the player, the move could actually see him justify his potential. Simeone’s physical and defensive style of play does not suit his natural game, and a productive stint under Emery would help him resurrect his career at the club level.
Villa are climbing up the league ladder with successive wins and their formidable attacking third is capable of causing menace against any top team. His versatility across the frontline as well as in a ‘number 10’ role should allow him to fit in their free-flowing football alongside Leon Bailey, Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho. Felix, too, must grab this opportunity as the transfer could very well be the stepping stone to achieving greater glory in Europe.
