According to recent reports from Spanish daily MARCA, Atlético Madrid is planning on making a massive $135 million bid for Benfica wonderkid João Félix. The 19-year-old attacker tore up the Primeira Liga last season, scoring 15 goals while adding seven assists in 26 games.
The fee would double Atlético’s previous transfer record, set when purchasing French winger Thomas Lemar from Monaco last summer for $67 million.
João Félix was released from Porto as they believed he was too skinny to develop further.
In his first full season with Benfica, he scored 15 goals, provided seven assists and won the title. pic.twitter.com/gVakTYjDvn— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 11, 2019
The move would all but guarantee Antoine Greizmann’s departure to Barcelona with the money from that transfer funding Félix’s arrival. The teenager would make an excellent replacement for Griezmann — both players play a similar hybrid forward role with their respective clubs.
Although it would be a massive step up for Félix, and a good fit for Atlético, there are reasons both parties should be hesitant about signing the dotted line.
For one, Félix is only 19, and if being purchased for $135 million isn't enough pressure for a teen, he’ll also have to fill the boots of a world-class player in Griezmann, which is a tall task for a young player.
On top of that, Diego Simeone has a history of struggling to develop wingers, and while he had success working with a similar player in Griezmann, Félix is four years younger than Griezmann was when he joined the club, so he is a much rawer talent to work with.
While a lot of aspects of Félix’s future are up in the air right now, one thing is certain: When it comes to Félix’s potential, the sky is the limit.
3 goals, an assist, and a penalty-forcing pass from 19-year-old Joao Felix
Not bad at all pic.twitter.com/wvNIdcM7Wf— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) April 11, 2019
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