Another star to Saudi Arabia? Félix is working on his future at Atlético Madrid. At 23, he’s not resisting the move, but there’s a catch

The decline of a great live talent? Joao Félix strengthened Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019 for almost 130 million euros. But he hasn’t fulfilled his potential yet. Now 23 years old, his future is uncertain. Will he head to Saudi Arabia?

Is deliverance imminent? When Joao Félix made his breakthrough at Benfica, the whole of Europe was interested in him. Surprisingly, he moved to Atlético Madrid and even then many people were tapping their foreheads. How will a player of his type fit into such a defensive team?

Four years have passed and we more or less know the answer. The now 23-year-old Portuguese may have had some flashes and shown that he has quality, but he certainly hasn’t repaid the amount of money the Spanish club put into him.

In January, he headed on a surprise loan to Chelsea, who were struggling, looking shambolic. Félix once again showed that he is a great footballer, but it lacked stability and overall it didn’t sit well at Stamford Bridge.

What’s next for him? That’s the question. In preparation for the new season, he appeared in at least one Atlético game on the bench, in all the others he was completely absent. Apparently, he is not expected in Madrid either.

Félix himself has made no secret of the fact that he would like to sign for Barcelona, but they are having financial problems. Typologically, however, he would certainly fit in better there than he does at Atlético. According to Transfermarkt, his value is estimated at 50 million euros.

So a move to Saudi Arabia is in the cards. There is no mention of a specific team interested in the player, but there is a catch. Félix does not want to leave Europe permanently.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, is only working on a plan B and it is being discussed that he would go to Saudi Arabia for a maximum of one year on loan. So far, Félix has played 131 competitive games for Atlético with a record of 34 goals and 18 assists.

Source: Matteo Morretto, Relevo, Transfermarkt