Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid president opens exit door for Felix: “Can stay for another season”
Many saw Joao Felix’s move to Chelsea as his liberation from a system that did not suit his profile. After all, his spell at Atletico Madrid had been dismal until that point and the team’s defensive focus made it difficult for him to showcase his skill in the final third.
The player thus joined Chelsea on a six-month loan move in January this year. His spell in England is now nearing an end, and it is safe to say that it left a mixed impression in the minds of many.
Felix has not made an impact of the magnitude many expected in London. Yet, it is clear that he is one of the best players in a struggling Chelsea side.
Earlier this week, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was quizzed about what the future held for Felix. After all, the Portuguese international is contracted with Los Rojiblancos until 2027.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen with Joao Felix, for now he’s at Chelsea. When he finishes playing at Chelsea, he can renew, he can stay for one more season, or not. But don’t worry, he will continue playing,” Cerezo told MARCA, keeping all doors open for the prodigy.
Last month, reports from England stated that Chelsea were indeed interested in extending Felix’s contract by a further 12 months. While this would not bring in any money into Atleti’s coffers, it would mean that Chelsea take over Felix’s salary for one more year.
Another option the London-based side consider is a player swap to bring down Atletico’s asking price on Felix. The club are willing to include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella in return for a reduced transfer fee to make Felix’s move permanent.
In 13 Premier League matches so far this season, the youngster has found the back of the net three times. Further, he averages 0.5 key passes per game and has created just one big chance.
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.
