Benfica president Rui Costa has confirmed that the club cannot afford to meet Atlético Madrid’s financial demands for João Félix. Speaking on the matter, Costa stated, “It’s not possible for Benfica to pay what Atlético Madrid want today for João Félix. We’d love to bring him back but it doesn’t look like a possibility for us, at all.”
Background on João Félix
João Félix, a 24-year-old forward, has been the subject of various transfer speculations. He is currently under contract with Atlético Madrid but spent the last season on loan at Barcelona. Despite his loan status, Félix has expressed a strong desire to remain at Barcelona, as reported on multiple occasions.
Recent Developments
Recent news has highlighted Félix’s inclination to stay at Barcelona. On 9 June 2024, it was reported that Félix was keen to continue his stint at the Catalan club. Additionally, Barcelona has shown interest in retaining both João Félix and João Cancelo, as indicated in early June 2024 reports.
Financial Constraints
Benfica’s inability to meet Atlético Madrid’s asking price for Félix underscores the financial challenges faced by the Portuguese club. Despite their interest in re-signing the player, the economic demands set by Atlético Madrid have made the transfer unfeasible for Benfica.
Future Prospects
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen where João Félix will play in the upcoming season. His future at Barcelona or a potential return to Atlético Madrid continues to be a topic of significant interest in the football community.