Atletico Madrid president blames 'tactics' for Joao Felix transfer flop

James Shearman

• Updated: 16 Nov 2023 16:36 GMT
• 3 min read

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo believes Diego Simeone's 'tactics' played a part in Joao Felix's struggles at the club.

When Felix made the €126 million move from Benfica to Atleti in 2019, he was expected to develop into a superstar.

However, the Portugal international struggled in Madrid and has found himself loaned out on two occasions.

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He spent the second half of last season at Chelsea and he is now playing for La Liga rivals Barcelona, indicating how little he is wanted by Simeone.

But, Cerezo still thinks that Felix is a top player and expects him to do well at Barca; he blames the 'tactics' at Atleti for his troubles.

"He will be one of the best players in Europe. I wish him all the best in Barcelona. I don't know if he will come back," Cerezo told El Partezo de Cope.

"He has a one-year contract and Barca have the option to buy him. If not, he will have to return to Atlético Madrid.

"...Players are not machines. It doesn't matter if you have a great season or not.

"You have to take a risk and buy in [but] because of the tactics or whatever, [he] hasn't adapted to us."

How much will Felix cost Barcelona?

Barcelona have been quoted a fee for Felix, should they choose to buy him on a permanent basis.

The Catalan club snapped up the 24-year-old on loan until the end of the 2023-24 season.

And his time at Camp Nou is going well, with Felix scoring three goals and creating four more in 14 appearances.

But, he will cost the club around €70 million to sign on a permanent basis, with Simeone's side looking to recoup much of the fee they paid Benfica.

According to FootballTransfers’ Player Valuation Model, Felix’s expected transfer value is between €42.7m and €71m, so the €70m asking price is not outrageous in the slightest.