Atletico Madrid have thrown a curveball into the transfer saga of Joao Felix by naming him in their squad for their La Liga season opener against Villarreal. Despite widespread speculation about his departure, Atletico manager Diego Simeone has included the Aston Villa target in the lineup for tonight’s match at the Estadi de la Ceramica.
Felix’s inclusion comes as a surprise, especially given the strong expectations that he would leave the club this summer. However, Simeone’s recent comments suggest the Portuguese forward has impressed during pre-season. “He’s doing very well,” Simeone said during a pre-match press conference, as reported by Marca. “He has the same behavior as any footballer who is in a squad, ready for whatever is proposed to him, competing with other teammates. Time will tell if we can use him tomorrow or not.”
Felix has emerged as Aston Villa’s top target before the summer transfer window closes, although Premier League rivals Chelsea have also reportedly entered the race for the 24-year-old.
Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the club’s interest in Felix, stating, “Of course, we are always looking to add players who can improve our squad in different positions. We have to be ready to do it. But with the players we have now, we can sign one or two more. It depends if someone is leaving.”
Emery emphasized the strength of Villa’s current roster but acknowledged the possibility of further additions. “The idea is that with the structure we have now, even the players we have today and the players coming back, I think we have a squad that will be competitive this year in the Champions League and other cups we will face. Some players we are following in case we have the opportunity to sign them, but I don’t want to speak specifically about players,” he added.
With Felix’s future still uncertain, his presence in Atletico Madrid’s squad for the La Liga opener adds another twist to the ongoing transfer drama.
