Joao Felix's future seems to be definitely away from Atlético de Madrid for this season that has already started. Chelsea are very close to reaching an agreement with the red-and-white team to achieve the permanent transfer of the Portuguese striker. Although there are still loose ends to be tied up, everything points to the player flying to London in the next few days to join the Premier League.
However, Joao Felix trained this morning in Majadahonda with the rest of his teammates and could be ready to face Villarreal. Obviously, as expected, Simeone was asked about the Portuguese's future in view of the closing of the transfer window. The Argentine coach's response contained some surprise, although it makes very clear what the sporting management 's objective is before September.
Simeone talks about Joao Felix
This morning, the first press conference took place at Cerro del Espino prior to the league debut against Villarreal. Atlético de Madrid will face the yellow submarine away to officially kick off the season. There were a lot of questions to ask Simeone , one of the most relevant being the future of Joao Félix in this transfer market.
The Portuguese has been one of the most positive notes during the pre-season friendlies, scoring two goals and demonstrating a good level. In addition, he has also received numerous praises during the training sessions he has carried out in Majadahonda . However, Atlético de Madrid 's objective has not changed and is to achieve the sale of the player this summer market.
“ He is doing very well , the behaviour is what any footballer who is in a squad needs to have,” said Simeone . “He competes with other teammates and the game will lead us to use him as much as we can tomorrow ,” he concluded. For now, everything points to the Portuguese being on the list of those called up to travel to La Cerámica to make his LaLiga debut.
Chelsea as the best solution
A few weeks ago, many Atletico fans assumed that the player had a good chance of staying. No club was able to come close to the 60 million euros that Gil Marín was demanding to allow his transfer. Now, Chelsea are very close to taking the striker for a figure slightly higher than 40 million euros , which would leave the Madrid club with a lot of oxygen left.
Atlético de Madrid had hoped to increase their offer by another 10 million euros, but an agreement is practically inevitable. This operation would allow Conor Gallagher to return to the Metropolitano and put himself under Simeone 's orders after many days. The English international had to return to his country while waiting for both clubs to reach a good agreement, something that will happen very soon.