Yahoo News Diego Simeone makes fresh Joao Felix decision as Aston Villa receive transfer hint
Diego Simeone’s team selection for Atletico Madrid’s clash with Juventus may give Aston Villa confidence in securing the signature of Joao Felix.
Felix has been linked with a move to Villa Park for most of the summer transfer window and the Argentinian manager’s latest action may have pushed him further out of the exit door - Felix was left out of Atleti’s starting line-up against Juventus in Gothenburg on Sunday afternoon.
The 24-year-old featured in the club’s previous two friendly fixtures against Getafe - in which he scored - and Kitchee - when he played 45 minutes.
READ: Aston Villa are free to complete transfer as midfielder is left out of squad
READ: Aston Villa 'close to agreement' as they prepare to conclude defender transfer
Although it was widely reported that Felix had been frozen out of Simeone’s plans - and was training on his own - the Atleti boss still considers the player part of the set-up, praising his recent performance. He said: “He [Felix] played well in the 45 minutes he got against Getafe. He's an Atlético Madrid player, and as long as he's here, we'll value him based on how he works, just like we do with everyone else on the team."
Felix previously gained experience in the Premier League during a loan spell at Chelsea in the second half of the 2022/23 season - scoring four goals in 16 appearances. Still, he did not make the move permanent opting for further loan to Barcelona last term.
Unai Emery is said to be a keen admirer of the forward and could offer him a lifeline to prevent his once-promising career from stagnating further.
