Al Hilal Considering Shock Move for Atletico Star Joao Felix

• Al-Hilal want to sign Atletico Madrid youngster, Joao Felix
• The Portuguese star has not thrived in Spain since joining in 2019
• Felix is the fifth most expensive footballer ever

Two weeks after making a world record bid for wantaway Paris Sain-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are considering making a move for Atletico Madrid star, Joao Felix.

Felix spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea and recently publicly admitted his desire to play for Barcelona, comments that irked Atleti fans.

The 23-year-old's contract with Atletico Madrid is set to expire in 2027, and it will take a significant offer to buy the Portuguese permanently. He is one of the most expensive signings in football history.

The 2021 La Liga champions signed Felix for a club-record 126 million Euros in 2019, but he failed to live up to his price tag. He is still the fifth most-expensive footballer ever and had scored 34 goals in 131 appearances for the Spanish giants.

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Felix to Al-Hilal?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi Pro League club are looking to offer a one-year loan deal to the player, whose future with Atletico is unclear. The loan fee is reportedly €15 million.

Diego Simeone's side are reportedly only interested in a permanent transfer, and the player prefers to remain in Europe following his comments about his admiration for Barcelona, per Football Espana.

Felix is currently valued at €50 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Al-Hilal have already splashed the big bucks this summer, signing Malcom (€60m), Ruben Neves (€55m), and Sergej Milinković-Savić (€40m).

Felix's Barcelona confession

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Atletico Madrid, Felix revealed his admiration for Barcelona - upsetting his club's hierarchy even further.

After his loan spell with Chelsea, his situation with the Spanish club remains uncertain and he has now openly shared his childhood aspirations of playing for the La Liga champions.

The Portuguese international is determined to leave the Rojiblancos, particularly if Diego Simeone continues as the coach, given reports that their relationship has deteriorated recently.