Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has insisted that Joao Felix still has a role to play in the Spanish capital despite rumours on his future.
- Felix to return to Atletico Madrid
- Simeone insists midfielder has role to play
- Contract runs until summer of 2027
What is the news?
Simeone has told reporters that he will welcome Felix back this summer after he spent six months on loan at Chelsea. The Blues did have a buy-option for the Portuguese international but decided not to activate the option. He will return to Atletico this summer but is expected to leave. Simeone, however, insisted that the club has yet to make a decision on the player’s future and that it is possible Felix could stay at Atletico.
What did Simeone say about Felix?
Talking to reporters, the Argentinian said: “He is a boy who has qualities, who plays well, who everyone talks about and hopefully he can crush it. With us he has always had peaks, he has had bad luck with injuries… He knows what my coaching profile is and he knows that I like to train with a lot of happiness.” While at loan at Chelsea Felix did say he hoped he could continue playing for them beyond the 2022-23 season.
The backstory
Felix signed for Atletico a couple of years ago in a transfer worth over 100 million euros from Benfica. The attacking midfielder was considered as one of the leading players for the future but has never managed to fulfill those expectations. Injuries and a lack of consistency have made it difficult to Felix to develop his full potential. The 23-year-old has made 131 appearances for Atletico, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists.
What will happen to Felix?
Despite the words of Simeone, many rumours are hinting towards an early exit at Atletico for Felix. The midfielder’s contract in Spain will run until the summer of 2027 and his transfer value is estimated at 50 million euros.
