Joao Felix: Photo of Disheartened Atletico Madrid Star Leaves Fans Worried

• Joao Felix's time at Atletico Madrid appears to be coming to an end
• The forward was spotted face-down in Atletico's 7-0 win on Monday
• Felix is the fifth most expensive footballer of all time but has not lived up to expectations

Joao Felix was one of the most exciting players in the world when Atletico Madrid signed him for €126 million in 2019 as a teenager from Benfica.

Four seasons later, he hasn't lived up to the hype and has been sidelined by manager Diego Simeone. In Atletico's impressive 7-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, 28th August, a despondent Felix was pictured sitting on the bench, raising plenty of questions for fans.

Earlier this summer, the Portugal international reportedly said he dreams of playing for Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit believed to be interested. However, Barcelona's financial woes mean that a deal will be difficult and plenty needs to happen before a transfer can materialize.

Joao Felix Viciously Abused by Atletico Madrid Fans in Their La Liga Opener

Football

According to AS, Felix could reportedly move to Al-Hilal this summer if a transfer to Barcelona fails. Atletico reportedly want to part ways with the 23-year-old.

He has played 131 games for Atletico, scored 34 goals, and provided 18 assists.

What went wrong for Felix?

Felix was seen as an exciting attacking player during his Benfica days, but playing under Diego Simeone's tactical philosophy, popularly known as Cholismo, seemed like a terrible fit.

The style emphasizes defensive tactics, a style that Feklix has struggled with.

After Antoine Griezmann left to join Barcelona, it seemed that he was the man to take the mantle, but there was perhaps too much pressure for him to succeed as the star man at Wanda Metropolitano.

There were also rumours of a dispute with Simeone, who questioned his commitment at some point, per GOAL. He benched him for some of their biggest games, a clear sign that the young forward does not suit his defensive style.

How Dembele 'betrayed' Barcelona weeks before joining PSG

Football

Injuries also hampered Felix's impact on the team. By missing games, he failed to build chemistry with his teammates. He could leave the club this summer, but there's no clear destination.

Atletico to terminate Felix’s contract?

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Atletico Madrid dismissing Felix's exit attempts as he sought to terminate his contract and force a move away from the Spanish club this summer.

The Portuguese youngster received a hostile reception at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium during his club's La Liga opening game against Granada, in which the home fans booed him.

However, Atletico have reportedly told Felix that he will need to buy out his own contract if he is that desperate to leave this summer after describing his termination request as 'a joke'.