Joao Felix could leave Atlético Madrid in January over his relationship with Diego Simeone, with La Liga chief executive Gil Marin saying a departure is “reasonable” to expect.
In 2019, Atlético secured the services of the Benfica striker for 126 million euros, signing a seven-year contract with the Portuguese national team player.
Since he joined the club, only Luis Suarez (34) has scored more goals for Atlético than Joao Felix (33), who also has 16 assists but has a cold relationship with Simeone.
The conflict is reported to have taken place at the start of this season and while Simeone spoke positively of the 23-year-old remaining at the club in November, Marin believes a move is just around the corner.
“João is the biggest bet the club has made. I think he has the highest level in the world,” he told TVE.
“But, for reasons not worth going into now, the relationship between the coach and him is not good, nor is his motivation.
“It would be wise to analyze whether exit options will appear. It’s reasonable to think that he will leave even if I wanted him to stay, but that’s not the player’s idea.”
Manchester United reportedly had a mammoth bid for Joao Felix, which was turned down following the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, while Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also showing interest.
3 – Joao Felix is the third youngest Portuguese to score in #World Cup (23 years 13 days) after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006 (21 years 132 days) and António Simões in 1966 (22 years 217 days). Rafael Leao (23 years 167 days) is the fourth of the youngest athletes. Future. pic.twitter.com/7rRBQCKPZw
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 24, 2022
