Atletico Madrid News
Joao Felix refuses to comment on Atletico Madrid future: “Focused on the World Cup”
On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin all but confirmed that Joao Felix is set to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window, following a breakdown of relationship with manager Diego Simeone.
Felix has been reduced to a marginalised figure this season at Atletico Madrid, with Simeone preferring the likes of Alvaro Morata, Angel Correa, and Antoine Griezmann ahead of him.
Murmurs of the Portuguese international getting frustrated with his situation have been doing the rounds for a while now. And Gil Marin confirmed the same in his interview, stating that the player is looking for a way out and an exit seems to be the best possible option for everyone.
Felix, who is currently part of the Portugal national team squad participating at the FIFA World Cup 2022, was asked about his future recently, but refused to comment on the situation, stating that he is fully focused on the World Cup at the moment.
“I’m completely focused on the World Cup. My agent doesn’t tell me anything about what’s going to happen, nor does he want to. I need to be focused on the now to play a great tournament,” the 23-year-old said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Felix was one of Portugal’s better players as they thrashed Switzerland 6-1 last night to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The Atletico Madrid ace contributed with two assists to help his team cruise to a resounding victory.
As for his future at Atletico Madrid, clubs like PSG, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have been touted as interested parties. Recent reports even indicated that Aston Villa had emerged as a surprise contender to sign Felix, with talks allegedly already underway.
It remains to be seen where Felix ends up in the coming weeks, but his time at the Civitas Metropolitano is certainly coming to an end.
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.
