Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you an update on Joao Felix as his future remains up the air
Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix following the latest claim about Paris Saint-Germain.
Felix is set to leave Atletico on loan this summer, and Villa have held a standing interest in the Portuguese ace. He appears to not be part of Diego Simeone’s plans despite having four years on his contract.
The 23-year-old is claimed to have been offered to different clubs including PSG and Newcastle United. However, a steep loan fee in excess of £10million may prove too much for some teams.
According to Marca journalist David Medina, “there’s no interest from PSG” in Felix, with L’Equipe adding that the French champions have “rejected the chance” to sign him. It was also added that Villa are currently the “only club” in the race for his signature, at this stage
A fresh report from Spain claims that Barcelona are pushing him out of the exit door this summer, though the terms of his departure will be somewhat unexpected.
According to AS (per Sport Witness), manager Xavi wants Gonzalez to leave, but the club hierarchy are only prepared to let him leave on loan.
If Villa are interested in a move for the Mendes client, they will only have him for a year instead of the longer-term permanent deal they would perhaps have expected.
That development leaves Villa with a tough decision to make, as it’s said the ball is in their court as to whether they make a swoop for the talented midfielder.
The Spaniard made 26 appearances in La Liga last season while on loan at Valencia. The year before that, he played 27 times for Barcelona in the top flight. But now he appears not to have an immediate future at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona are in a strong negotiating position for any potential transfer, with the midfielder having been tied down to a new contract just last year. With his deal now expiring in 2026, it appears Barcelona still value him highly.
But they have a plethora of midfield options in their senior squad, boasting Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, Pedri and new addition Ilkay Gundogan among their ranks.
