'The information I have': Aston Villa could make move for 'special' £27.5m attacking midfielder - journalist
07/04/2024 10:45 AM
Journalist Duncan Castles has suggested that Aston Villa could compete for the signature of one player at Euro 2024 who spent last season at Barcelona, with Unai Emery a big admirer.
The Villans have certainly been extremely busy in the opening stages of the summer transfer window, with Ian Maatsen the big name signing so far, while Douglas Luiz is unquestionably the most significant departure.
It is going to be fascinating to see what Villa do over the rest of the summer, particularly with Emery’s men preparing for the Champions League next season.
Villa have presented a couple of players with a golden chance to get their careers back on track in recent years, with Ross Barkley initially shining while on loan, while Philippe Coutinho was outstanding before his move was converted into a permanent deal. And it seems that another big name may be presented with the chance to join Villa in the coming weeks.
Aston Villa could make move for Joao Felix
Joao Felix looks set to be on the move once again this summer, with his future seemingly lying away from Atletico Madrid after a tough time in the Spanish capital. He spent last year on loan with Barcelona, but it seems that Benfica are on pole position to sign him.
Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Duncan Castles has suggested that the Portuguese side are pursuing a £27.5 million move, but Villa may be one to keep an eye on.
“I think you’re right to say that he will take his time to decide on this. The information I have is Benfica are increasingly confident that they can get the deal through, the structure of it is in a way that Atletico Madrid get the amortised residue on the transfer fee back to them, that’s where the €32.5 million comes from,” he said.
“And it has been suggested to me that there is one possible out for him in the Premier League which is Aston Villa, with Unai Emery as coach. I’m told that there is a good regard between Felix and Unai Emery and that if Aston Villa can get themselves in a position – they’ve done a lot of work in the last month to sort out their financial issues – that they could be a competitor for Benfica, and that may be a more attractive move to Felix.”
What is remarkable about Atletico Madrid star
Felix’s career has not played out how many would have expected, with the move to Atletico proving to be something of a turning point – and not for the best reasons.
What is remarkable is that he is still only 24 years of age, because he appears to have been around for such a long time. He has played for a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, with none of his managers quite able to unlock his full potential.
Villa fans will have their reservations about a move for Felix, but he is a ‘special‘ talent at his best, so if Emery decides to give a move the green light, the supporters will surely back the decision.
