Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea, Man United, PSG eye January move for Atletico Madrid, loan-to-buy deal possible
According to journalist Miguel Martín Talavera, Jorge Mendes, the agent of Joao Felix, has informed Atletico Madrid that the forward will be leaving the club in the upcoming January transfer window.
Felix has failed to hit the heights expected of him since joining the Rojiblancos in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €120 million.
Even though there have been signs of his unlimited potential, the 23-year-old has struggled to fit into Diego Simeone’s system. With his game-time taking a major hit this term and his relationship with the manager getting strained an exit seemed a strong possibility.
On top of that Atletico Madrid’s poor financial situation has only made his departure even more likely, with the Portuguese ace informing the Colchoneros that he will be leaving next month.
Heading into the mid-season trading period, there does not seem to be any shortage of suitors for Felix.
Indeed, the former SL Benfica ace is being courted by several top clubs like PSG, Chelsea and Manchester United, with the latter even having had a bid rejected for him in the summer window.
However, the type of exit operation is yet to be decided upon as the club that signs him will need to consider their Financial Fair Play situation, given that huge sums of money could likely be involved.
Hence, the report suggests that there is a possibility of Felix leaving Atletico on a loan deal until the end of the season, with a mandatory purchase option inserted into the agreement.
Along with Felix, fellow forward Matheus Cunha is also expected to leave Atletico Madrid in January, with an agreement with Wolves reportedly reached.
Los Colchoneros, for their part, have already begun their hunt for replacements which they will need to sign if they end up losing two forwards in the winter window.
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.
