João Félix considering leaving Atlético Madrid

João Félix's days at Atlético Madrid could be numbered. Next month's transfer window will present an opportunity for the 22-year-old to end his relationship with the Rojiblancos. Those within his close circle are studying ways to try to convince Atlético to offer him an exit, although the club has no plans to do so at the moment. João Félix's qualities don't fit in Simeone's style of play and that is impeding him from showing the best he has to offer.

The 2019 Golden Boy joined Atlético from Benfica as the most expensive signing in the club's history. But with Atlético, he has only shown fleeting glimpses of the great player he is. Rather than develop his talents, Simeone's style has forced him to concentrate on aspects which have impeded him from playing at his best. Added to that tactic issue, he has been dogged by injury problems throughout his three years at Atlético.

Atlético paid 127 million euros for João Félix in 2019 and they are not willing to let him go for a fee lower than that. However, being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage would hit their finances. Seling the Portuguese ace, who is looking to move to a club where he can demonstrate his potential, would bring in a welcome windfall and offset any losses if the team is knocked out of Europe.

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Ballon d'Or dreams

Three seasons ago, João Félix was viewed as a potential candidate to win the Ballon d'Or, but now, at 22, he is no longer on that list. The general feeling is that he still could show himself to be among the top players in the world - but only if he leaves Atlético. Also, in under a year's time, the World Cup finals will be taking place in Qatar and the ex-Benfica player will need to be producing hius best football if he is to lock down a regular place in Fernando Santos side should they book their place via the play-offs.