Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid forward asks to leave in January amid Chelsea, Man United interest
According to the latest reports from David G. Medina of MARCA, Joao Felix has asked Atletico Madrid to sanction an exit in the upcoming January transfer window. The 23-year-old Portuguese international is on the radars of Manchester United, PSG, and Bayern Munich.
Felix has been a Rojiblanco since 2019 when he arrived from SL Benfica in a massive deal worth €120 million. However, he has never been able to realise his full potential at the Civitas Metropolitano, having failed to carve out a niche for himself in Diego Simeone’s system.
Things have gotten worse for the Portuguese international this season, with Simeone opting to use him more as a backup behind the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata.
So, rumblings about a January exit have been doing the rounds for a while now and as per the report, Felix has now asked the club to sanction an exit in the winter and has informed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to find him a new team.
It is further claimed that Atletico Madrid, who were insistent that Felix remains a key part of their plans, are now working on facilitating an exit for the 23-year-old prodigious forward.
Felix’s strained relationship with manager Simeone is said to be one of the reasons why Atleti have decided to give in and let the player leave as they do not want the situation to get out of hand after January.
Bayern Munich had a €100 million offer knocked back for Felix in the summer and are once again keen while PSG are also alert to the situation as they see the Portuguese as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi, who could leave in June 2023 when his contract expires.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have also held a long-term interest in Felix and could move for him, especially having decided to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo, which has left a void in the attacking unit.
The report also indicates that Chelsea, with their new owners, have also made their presence felt in the race for Felix’s signing.
The World Cup could prove to be pivotal for Felix to find his next club. Having failed to make a mark at Atletico, the 23-year-old could use the world stage to show suitors that he is capable of performing at the highest levels, thus convincing interested parties to make a move.
Felix started the World Cup campaign positively, scoring for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Ghana – a display that drew praise from Simeone.
Atletico Madrid need to generate in excess of €60 million to balance their books and the 23-year-old’s sale could be key to that. What is clear is that Felix is close to leaving the club, but what remains to be seen is whether the exit materialises in January or the summer.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
