MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 19:15:20| >> :60:1599:1599:

Diego Simeone addresses Joao Felix future amid ongoing exit talk

Simeone addresses Felix future amid ongoing exit talk
© Reuters
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says that questions regarding the future of Joao Felix should be directed to the player himself.

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has said that questions regarding the future of Joao Felix should be directed to the player himself rather than the club.

The Portugal international continues to be heavily linked with a move away from Wanda Metropolitano following the alleged breakdown of his relationship with Simeone.

Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the attacker, although there is uncertainty when it comes to a potential move to Camp Nou, with a recent report claiming that the Red and Whites were reluctant to let him move to a domestic rival.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments, with the Red Devils still thought to be considering moving for another attacker late in the window.

Felix was an unused substitute in Atletico's La Liga opener against Granada last weekend, but he will not feature in the squad against Real Betis due to a minor injury.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023© Reuters

Simeone has said that Felix should be asked about his own future, with the Argentine insisting that he has no problems selecting the attacker when he is available.

"Joao Felix? I always say the best question is to ask him. I see that he's not being interviewed and doesn't have the opportunity," Simeone told reporters on Saturday.

"They're always asking us. He's in the squad, and we've been training with him since the pre-season began. He didn't take part in the friendlies due to an injury that kept him out of the first two, and he didn't enter the other two because we understood he needed a week of training.

"Later, he had a good week and was called up for the first match. Now he has some discomfort, so he won't be in Seville. That's what I can comment on, concerning what matters to me, which is the group and our work."

Chelsea's Joao Felix in action with Borussia Dortmund's Salih Ozcan and Julian Brandt on February 15, 2023© Reuters

Felix scored five times in 20 appearances for Atletico in the first half of last season before being allowed to move to Chelsea on loan for the second half of the campaign.

The 23-year-old managed four goals in 20 appearances for Chelsea, but the Blues turned down the chance to sign him on a permanent basis this summer.

Felix arrived at Wanda Metropolitano in a big-money move from Benfica in 2019, and he has represented Atletico on 131 occasions, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

Simeone's side are in a strong position when it comes to the Portuguese's future, as he signed a new deal before leaving on loan in January, with his current terms due to run until June 2027.

ID:521687:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4565:
Written by
Matt Law

Joao Felix future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Diego Simeone

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Ansu Fati pictured during the warm up before the match on October 20 2022
Read Next:
PSG, Atletico Madrid 'offered chance to sign Ansu Fati'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!