Atlético: Joao Félix to be confirmed Wednesday; Llorente deal also close
Sources close to negotiations have confirmed to AS that Atlético Madrid are set to confirm Joao Félix as Antoine Griezmann's replacement on Wednesday.
Atlético are set to make the signing of 19-year-old Benfica striker Joao Félix official on Wednesday, AS sources have confirmed.
The Madrid-based club and Benfica have spent all of Tuesday negotiating the young striker’s contract and a deal has been practically closed.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed to AS that some loose ends remain that have stopped both clubs making the transfer official. But the two sides believe those small details will be ironed out to allow the move to be confirmed publically on Wednesday.
Having scored 20 goals in his debut season at Benfica, 19-year-old Felix has been a prime target of several top clubs, who have tried to snatch the young striker from Atlético’s grasp at the last minute.
However, Atléti and Benfica have been in serious contact regarding the player since representatives of both clubs met on the occasion of the Champions League final at the Wanda Metropolitano on 1 June. And since that first important and significant point of contact, Benfica have known that Felix would likely be playing in the Rojiblanco shirt next season.
Real Madrid's Llorente also close to Atlético deal
AS understands that Atléti are also on the cusp of closing a deal with city rivals Real Madrid for Marcos Llorente.
Given all goes according to plan, the Spanish midfielder will also be a new Atlético player within the next few hours. Real Madrid want 50 million euros for the 24-year-old but Rojiblancos chairman Enrique Cerezo is understood to want to bring that figure down considerably.
With the signings of Felix and Llorente, Atlético are set to replace two important outgoing players: striker Antoine Griezmann and midfielder Rodrigo ‘Rodri’ Hernández, who is on the verge of joining Manchester City.
Atlético rebuild begins
Atlético coach Diego Simeone, who is currently on vacation, will no doubt have been informed that he is set two have two new players in his squad.
The reconstruction of Atlético Madrid officially starts on Wednesday.