Atletico Madrid News
Aston Villa well-placed to sign wantaway Atletico Madrid star in January, talks underway
Joao Felix was thought of as Atletico Madrid’s future star player when the club signed him from SL Benfica in 2019. After all, he was arriving as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann who had been the team’s crown jewel for several years.
The French star left Atleti, joined Barcelona, played for a few years, returned to the Civitas Metropolitano and has won back his place in the starting XI.
Yet, Joao Felix is still as unconvincing as he was the day he arrived and frustrations at the Spanish capital outfit have peaked, while the player has grown frustrated at the club.
The coming transfer window could see Los Rojiblancos take some drastic measures owing to a combination of sporting and economic reasons. One such expected move is the departure of the Portuguese star.
Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirmed on Tuesday that the relationship between Felix and manager Diego Simeone was not ideal and that the forward could be allowed to leave in January.
And according to MARCA, Aston villa are very well placed to win Felix’s sitting in the coming transfer window. Jorge Mendes is said to be an advocate of his client playing in the Premier League and sees this as an opportunity for the youngster to break free from the shackles of Madrid.
The youngster has been linked with PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea in recent windows but now that the relationship between the player and manager has soured, Felix’s departure is imminent, with Villa emerging as a surprise destination.
The report further indicates that talks are already underway between the Premier League club, managed by Unai Emery, and Atletico’s CEO, Gil Marin, putting them in a good position to capture Felix.
The 23-year-old has had a wonderful campaign in the World Cup so far, scoring one goal and providing two assists in three appearances. His La Liga statistics are comparatively underwhelming as he has just six goal contributions in 12 appearances.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
