Ben Guest
Benfica have branded speculation linking Joao Felix with an imminent move to Atletico Madrid as ‘totally false’ and ‘absurd’.
The Portuguese starlet has been linked with a move to virtually every one of European footballing giants, including both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.
Reports on Monday claimed that Atletico Madrid were close to securing a move for the 18-year-old, with the La Liga runners up willing to pay his €120 million release clause, the only amount that will see Benfica sanction his departure.
However, in a strongly worded statement, Benfica have strongly refuted such suggestions.
“In view of the set of news published in these last hours, Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD clarifies that it is false that any negotiation process is currently underway regarding a possible transfer of player João Félix,” a statement reads.
“More serious, and that deserves our most vehement repudiation and denial, is the false news that refers to negotiations that involve commissions of 30% and which, unfortunately, was echoed in Portugal by the newspaper A Bola, with intentions and goals that we do not know at all.
“We repeat: this information is totally false, absurd and has clearly intentional intentions for the reputation and dignity of Sport Lisboa e Benfica.”
Atletico Madrid last week confirmed that they have known since March that Antoine Griezmann is set to join Barcelona, with Felix being tipped as a potential replacement for the World Cup winner.
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João Félix is the youngest player in Europa League history to score a hat-trick in the competition.
Heads have clearly been turned. ? pic.twitter.com/OHjQQxLS4i
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 17, 2019