Bursting onto the scene in the 2018/19 season, Joao Felix went on to be touted as Portugal’s ‘Next Ronaldo’ and became a £113 million wonderkid at the age of just 19. Now, after a couple of difficult seasons, he is looking to find a club to fulfil his undoubted potential, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, that may well be in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
The forward earned his big money move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019 after a staggering 22 goal contributions in 26 games in the Portuguese top division during his breakout season, whilst also becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in the Europa League.
So, what went wrong? Why has Felix not been as successful as many had thought he would in the footballing world?
The young star found adapting to the Spanish LaLiga difficult due to Simeone’s playstyle and perhaps a lack of experience at the highest level. Therefore, in his first season, in his new stripes of Atletico red and white, Joao managed only six goals. The following two seasons saw little improvement from the Madrid record-signing, with 7 and 8 goals scored in each, respectively.
It was clear that a change was needed for the then 23-year-old. A £10 million loan to Chelsea in January 2023 was agreed, where he would go on to show glimpses of the talent he evidently has. Starting only 11 games, the Blues’ loanee not only scored on four occasions but also impressed with his constant attacking threat. Averaging over 4 shots per 90 and 5 touches in the opposition box, Felix was definitely coming into form during his time in England.
After returning from his stint in London, another loan was put in place. Only this time for the Catalan giants FC Barcelona, where performances were positive, especially in the Champions League, netting three times in four starts.
The Emery revival
Fabrizio Romano has stated that the hybrid centre forward would be the ‘dream signing’ for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, though the ‘deal is not easy’ due to it being an expensive transfer. In a press conference last season, the Spanish coach spoke about Felix and explained that he simply ‘needed time to adapt in the Premier League; he is a special player’.
With the departure of Moussa Diaby and a move for Jhon Duran away from the Villans on the horizon, it is clear that the gap left in that second striker role alongside Watkins needs filling.
A player who is able to combine the midfield and attack, provide a threat from behind, and be menacing in front of goal is exactly what Emery would want. His man, Joao Felix.
Summary
After a disappointing moment at the Euros, missing a crucial penalty in Portugal’s loss to France, the 24-year-old will be looking for a move away this summer to settle down and finally show the world what Joao Felix is truly about. If that move is to the midlands, then the eyes of all football lovers will be on the Claret and Blue team to watch how the once-wonderkid’ fares in the Premier League.
2024-07-26T13:31:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd