João Félix’s career is reaching a turning point. At 24, he was not retained by FC Barcelona, where he was loaned last season. His performances did not convince the Blaugranas enough to keep him on a long-term basis, given his impressive salary and Atlético Madrid’s demands (at least €60 million). The latter nevertheless recruited the Portuguese attacking midfielder in 2019 for €127 million.
So there is no question of selling him off, hence these successive loans, first to Chelsea then to Barça, and perhaps to Benfica this season, to try to revive him. His moribund Euro 2024 does not help his case. In Madrid, the door seemed to be closed until now. His past with Diego Simeone is considered too important to be kept, especially since the relationship with the supporters and the club management is frankly not brilliant either.
João Félix aligned with Correa and Griezmann
However, it is indeed at the Ciudad Deportiva Wanda Alcalá de Henares that the 24-year-old player has resumed training. First solo for his first day, before being integrated into the collective sessions. Better still, the first tactical indications suggest that the Portuguese player could integrate permanently into the Colchoneros this season. Brand and other Spanish media have noticed an improvement in his personal situation.
Cholo Simeone has started working with a 5-4-1, convertible into a 5-2-3 in the offensive phase, with an attacking trident consisting of Griezmann supporting Correa… and João Félix. This news may come as a surprise, especially since Rodrigo Riquelme is the only attacking player absent at the moment. Atlético is still looking for a centre-forward to compensate for the departure of Alvaro Morata but the former sidelined player is now invited to the table. It remains to be seen whether this will be a lasting one or not.
