Atletico Madrid has confirmed that Joao Felix is one of four players that have been transfer listed by the club ahead of the midseason transfer window in January. Joining him are Matheus Cunha, Felipe and Mario Hermoso.
The decision to make Felix available for transfer is part of the La Liga club’s strategy to improve its financial position. Atletico’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League during the group stage resulted in a significant missed opportunity for the club to recuperate its finances.
Now, the club is looking to secure a top-four finish in La Liga. Currently, the club is in the fifth position and is vying for the coveted top-four spot with Athletic Club and Real Betis.
Having signed for Atletico for €127 million in July 2019, Felix has struggled to establish consistent form, scoring 33 goals and supplying 18 assists in 129 appearances. Now, the 23-year-old player is rumored to be a transfer target of Premier League clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa.
“He’s the biggest bet this club has taken in its history,” Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said of Felix during an interview. “I personally think he’s a top talent, a world-class player. I’d love him to stay personally, but I don’t think that’s the player’s idea.”
