Atletico Madrid News
€126 million Atletico Madrid superstar ‘off the agenda’ at Manchester United – report
According to Dharmesh Sheth on Sky Sports, wantaway Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is off the agenda at Manchester United and they are already looking at other possible options to reinforce the frontline.
Felix is keen on leaving Atletico Madrid this month, having had a falling out with manager Diego Simeone. Arsenal and Manchester United have been touted as the likeliest destinations for the 23-year-old in the winter window.
Reports even suggested that both the Premier League clubs had held talks with the Portuguese international’s agent, Jorge Mendes. However, Atletico Madrid’s financial demands are proving to be a hurdle in the deal going through.
Los Rojiblancos are understood to be demanding a loan fee of €15 million along with his €6 million gross salary for the second half of the season, with the total package rising up to €21 million for just six months.
Manchester United have seemingly baulked at the demands made by Atletico Madrid and have already begun to look at other possible options to reinforce their frontline following the departure of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, some reports in Spain suggested that the Red Devils would be willing to land the Portuguese if Atletico Madrid were willing to accept a lower loan fee of €4 million.
Given the outlay that Atletico Madrid made on Felix, they are unlikely to let him leave on the cheap and will look to hold out for their demands.
So, unless the Rojiblancos or Manchester United are willing to compromise, it seems unlikely that Felix will be making his way to Old Trafford this month.
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.
