Benfica have responded to rumours that Joao Felix has agreed on a deal with Atletico Madrid by labelling them as ‘false’. Foreign reports had suggested he had finalised a transfer worth £100 million.
Benfica Label Joao Felix to Atletico as ‘False’
In Contrast to Foreign Reports
A number of reports from Spain and Portugal reported that a move to Atletico had been agreed; although, £100 million was the value being thrown around by the foreign media reports.
Felix has a release clause rumoured to be around €120 million. However, suggestions that the forward’s future is confirmed are far from the truth.
The Portuguese side released a statement following reports that Madrid had won the race for Felix’s signature.
Manchester United and Manchester City had both been hopeful of persuading the 19-year-old to England; however, the top-flight duo have had their hopes of signing the teenage star boosted with the news from Benfica.
The statement released by Benfica (via The Mirror) read: “In view of the set of news published in these last hours, Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD clarifies that it is false that any negotiation process is currently underway regarding a possible transfer of player João Félix.
“More serious, and that deserves our most vehement repudiation and denial, is the false news that refers to negotiations that involve commissions of 30% and which, unfortunately, was echoed in Portugal by the newspaper A Bola, with intentions and goals that we do not know at all.
“We repeat: this information is totally false, absurd and has clearly intentional intentions for the reputation and dignity of Sport Lisboa e Benfica.”
Teenage sensation Felix scored 18 goals in 33 appearances for Benfica; in addition, the young Portugal international debuted for Madrid in August.
Felix, 19-years-old, ended his breakthrough season by making his debut for Portugal in their Nations League semi-final win over Switzerland.
Main Photo
