João Félix was the entrepreneurial sensation of the 2019 summer market, with a transfer to Atlético de Madrid for 127 million euros that became the highest in Portuguese football. Record has revealed, that, values aside, for Jorge Mendes, agent of the footballer, Madrid was not even the best destination: the Portuguese businessman preferred that the former Benfica player go to England, and more specifically to Guardiola’s Manchester City. This desire was clearly manifested in a conversation with Bruno Maruta, director of youth football for the eagles, revealed by the wiretaps of the Public Ministry in the framework of ‘Operation Red Card’.
“Vieira insisted that I have proposals of 120 million [por Félix] and I already have four. Now there is a problem because he can only go to one and there is one that gives 120 million and stays one more year, which is what he wants to do,” Mendes said, without making it clear which of the interested clubs would leave Félix longer at Luz. , Given the, In addition to Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid would also have the young Portuguese. in his sights.
Despite the various proposals, in the dialogue with Maruta, the agent made his wish clear: “The best thing for João Félix would be Manchester City for Guardiola. It will be the most expensive signing in Portuguese football”.
João Félix is in his third season at Atlético and the Madrid club insist that he is a player for the future and that is part of the rojiblancos’ plans not only for the remainder of the season but for other exercises. At the club they believe that the striker should lead future projects for the rojiblanco team.