In a recent tweet, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Newcastle United are hoping to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix. It has been mentioned that the Magpies are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Portugal international on loan next year but could face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa in pursuit of him.
Challenge for all João Félix suitors is he's being offered on straight loan with no option to buy. That means an outlay of £8m (fee) and £5.3m (net salary). Felix offered to #AFC, #CFC, #MUFC, #NUFC and Villa. But a 'give' is needed by Atleti to make a loan more appealing. pic.twitter.com/Ah0Jafwe7a
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 27, 2022
Felix’s Difficult Season In Spanish Football This Season
Felix is having a tough campaign at the Madrid club as he has struggled to earn regular playing starts under Diego Simeone’s stewardship. The 23-year-old has registered five goals and five assists in 23 matches for both his club and country this season across all fronts.
The gifted talent has seen most of his appearances come off the bench which could be why he is only averaging 1.6 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball in the final third, based on his average of 75.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano is set to expire in the summer of 2026. Hence, a loan move could be the way to go for the Magpies if they want to bring him to Tyneside this January.
Is Felix A Dream Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?
Felix is proficient at generating space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal and can be a good finisher in front of the opponent’s goal when he is playing well on the pitch. The Portuguese sensation can create some meaningful openings for his teammates on the attacking end of the field but needs to find a way to earn more playing time at the highest level if he wants to get his career back on track. He is primarily a centre-forward but can also play as a left-winger if needed.
Felix will no doubt be a dream option for Newcastle even if they only manage to get him on loan this winter. He will add plenty of firepower to Eddie Howe‘s frontline and could help the Magpies secure a UEFA Champions League place this season.
The Viseu-born sensation has the potential to be a prolific striker at St. James’ Park, so the Magpies would be wise to try everything they can to lure him to Tyneside on loan when the transfer window reopens at the start of next month.
