Newcastle receive boost as UCL forward offered to them for nothing after competition vanishes
Eddie Howe clapping after Newcastle win
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has reportedly been offered to Newcastle United, and might have to settle for yet another loan move.
Felix was put under the spotlight of European football when he made the £113million move to Atletico Madrid at just 19 years of age. While a huge fee, he seemed a very exciting prospect after 15 Benfica goals in his first senior season.
In three-and-a-half seasons at Atletico, he’s shown himself to be a useful asset. While perhaps not the world beater he could yet become, he’s acquitted himself well.
Indeed, the forward has directly contributed to 52 goals in 131 games for the La Liga outfit. That included four goals and three assists in 14 games this season.
However, a rift with Atletico boss Diego Simeone saw him sent out on loan to Chelsea. While his spell at Stamford Bridge didn’t begin in fantastic fashion, when he was sent off on debut, he looked good beyond that point.
He scored a goal on his return from suspension, and followed that up with another three goals, including one against Manchester United.
The idea that Chelsea would sign him permanently has been floated often. It was suggested Felix wanted to remain, but new boss Mauricio Pochettino has decided he doesn’t want him.
However, he might still get the chance to remain in England, just not with the Blues.
Newcastle offered Felix on loan
Indeed, Newcastle United have been linked with him for some time. It seems they might have a genuine chance of snaring him now, too.
The Daily Mail reports he has been ‘offered’ to the club after Chelsea dashed his hopes of remaining with them.
It might be that the forward’s tenure at Newcastle is only temporary, though. Indeed, the report suggests a ‘shortage of interest’ in a permanent deal means another loan is a possibility.
However, there might be an obstacle to move out of the way before the Magpies can secure his services.
Felix’s wages are said to be over £200,000-per-week, which Chelsea had no issues with paying. While Newcastle are one of the world’s richest clubs, the report suggests that might be a problem, as it’s more than the club’s highest earners are on.
Felix to Newcastle good move for all parties
If Newcastle can come to an agreement with Atletico about Felix’s wages, the move seems a good one. In fact, it might be better than him returning to Chelsea for a few reasons.
The Blues’ woeful season saw them finish 12th in the league. Meanwhile, Newcastle finished fourth, securing Champions League football in the process.
Felix admitted during this season that playing in Europe’s elite competition “is always important”. As such, he’d be given that chance at St James’ Park, while staying in England, which was also his ideal scenario, as per reports.
A move to a thriving outfit like Newcastle could allow him to reach the potential he showed early on in his career. He’s still just 23, so there’s a lot of time for him to become a genuine star, and Eddie Howe has done a great job in improving a lot of players so far.
Felix would also add Champions League experience to a side who mostly have not played in the competition before, benefitting the Magpies.
