Benfica in good position for Joao Felix due to strategy from Aston Villa and Barcelona | OneFootball

Nobody is under any illusions when it comes to Joao Felix: both Atletico Madrid and the Portuguese forward want to make a move happen. Los Rojiblancos would prefer it to be permanent, but the lack of offers for him are weakening their position.

As per Correio da Manha, the lack of offers from Aston Villa, the Premier League side interested in him, and Barcelona mean that Benfica stand a much better chance of signing him. Benfica have offered €30m in fixed fee and variables for Felix, although Atletico would prefer to hit that number in fixed fee, for 50% of his rights. The Lisbon club have even confirmed talks with Atletico in recent weeks.

Villa are keen on a loan deal, and Barcelona are keen to bring him back too, but only on a loan deal at the end of August. The key issue is that both sides know that the conditions of the deal are likely to get better the longer they wait, as Los Rojiblancos do their best to shift him. Hence it’s encouraging Atletico to accept an offer from Benfica.

The main issue for the Eagles will be convincing Felix himself to move. Previous reports have said that he would consider moving back to Benfica as a backwards step, and he continues to prioritise a move back to Barcelona. If that is not possible, then he will look to go to the Premier League.