With the looming possibility of Mohamed Salah’s departure to the Saudi Pro League this summer, Liverpool is wasting no time in devising a contingency plan. According to Sky Sports, the club has reportedly set its sights on Joao Felix as a potential replacement for the Egyptian winger.
Reports from A Bola suggest that acquiring Joao Felix could involve an expenditure ranging from $80 to $86 million. The talented Atlético Madrid player already showcased his prowess in the Premier League during a six-month loan at Chelsea, where he found the back of the net four times in 20 appearances last season.
Earlier reports pointed toward FC Barcelona’s interest in Joao Felix however, they have appeared to move from the Portuguese winger as the deal has not progressed this summer.
Liverpool are reportedly targeting a move for Joao Felix as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah 🔴📰
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 29, 2023
Time is of the essence, as the summer transfer window for major European leagues is set to close on Friday. This means Liverpool has a mere four days to decide on its course of action concerning Salah’s potential departure for a total of $162 million, while the Saudi Arabian deadline extends until September 20.
Salah’s future with Liverpool remains a prime subject of discussion in the lead-up to deadline day. The Egyptian star is reportedly keen on leaving Anfield to join the ranks of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad.
Earlier speculations pointed towards three other possible replacements for Salah. These candidates include Jared Bowen from West Ham, Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich, and Federico Chiesa from Juventus.
For now, Salah’s commitment to Liverpool extends until 2025, following a contract renewal in 2022. His impactful journey with the club, which commenced in 2017, has left an indelible mark, culminating in an impressive tally of 187 goals and 80 assists across 307 matches.
The current contract of Joao Felix at Atlético Madrid
Joao Felix, the talented Portuguese forward, remains under contract until the summer of 2027. This extension was secured in January 2023, coinciding with his loan spell at Chelsea, which lasted for six months.
As per reliable reports, Felix’s earnings stand at approximately $300,000 per week while representing Atletico Madrid, translating to an annual income of around $15 million.
🚨🚨| João Félix has already rented his house in Madrid to a new tenant. If he doesn’t sign with Barça, he will leave for Saudi Arabia when the Spanish transfer market closes.
[🎖️: @DCampoy10 & @MatteMoretto via @_soy_rojiblanco] pic.twitter.com/kSvQEPUDp4
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 29, 2023
Since his acquisition by Atletico Madrid in 2019, Felix has exhibited his skill across 131 appearances for the La Liga team. Within this timeframe, he has contributed significantly with 34 goals and 18 assists. His versatility is a notable asset, as he adeptly covers various positions in the lineup, ranging from left-winger and right-winger to center forward and secondary striker.
Remarkably, despite his considerable achievements, Felix is only 23 years old. With four years remaining on his contract, his acquisition would undoubtedly come at a significant cost.
Notably, Atlético Madrid is likely to seek substantial returns on their initial investment, which amounted to $136 million when they secured Felix’s services from Benfica in 2019.
