Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid superstar faces tense future at club amid lack of game-time
Joao Felix has endured a difficult start to the season. He has failed to establish himself as one of the key attackers for Atletico Madrid, a notion unthinkable when he joined the club for a record fee, a few years ago.
However, it appears the attacker is slowly losing his prominence in the team. He has earned only five starts in La Liga this year and is yet to score a single goal in all competitions.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Felix is facing a ‘tense’ future at Atletico Madrid, as the player continues to demand more game-time.
Diego Simeone, at the moment, is favouring other players to perform in the attacking third. The likes of Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann appear to be ahead of the Portuguese international in the pecking order, with the duo combining for seven goals this term.
Felix, nonetheless, wants to play more regularly despite his poor record in front of goal this season. The former SL Benfica starlet wants to prove himself in La Liga, especially ahead of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
It has led to widespread speculations on his future. Romano has addressed the Manchester United rumours in the summer but believes the Premier League giants are not an immediate favourite to sign the young forward.
Atletico Madrid, for their part, have no intention of selling Felix. There is a €350 million release clause present in the attacker’s contract and with the player having a deal until 2026, the club believe they are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon.
Despite that, there is ought to be some internal pressure from Felix’s representatives over a potential move away from Wanda Metropolitano next summer or even in the upcoming winter transfer window, and it will not be surprised to see a few clubs attempt to sign the attacker in the near future.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
