Leak: Jorge Mendes would have liked to see Joao Felix at Manchester City
Jorge Mendes agent
Atletico wasn’t Jorge Mendes’ first choice for the Felix transfer. This emerges from leaked audio recordings of the consultant.
Star advisor Jorge Mendes would have liked to have his protégé Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) piloted to the English champions Manchester City. This emerges from leaked audio recordings, that of the Portuguese records present. In it, Mendes said in an interview with Benfica youth director Bruno Maruta: “The best thing for Joao Felix would be Manchester City with Guardiola. It will be the most expensive change in Portuguese football.”
In fact, the most expensive transfer of a Portuguese followed in the summer of 2019. Felix left Benfica for 127 million euros. However, the buyer was not called ManCity but Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid: Joao Felix replaced Antoine Griezmann
The Spaniards signed Felix as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who had moved to Barca. The poker for Felix was hot, as Mendes continued: “Vieira (Benfica’s president at the time, ed.) insisted that I get him offers of over 120 million euros. But I already have four offers. But now there is the problem that only one club offers the 120 million euros and another would like to wait another year. Now he has to see what he wants to do.”
Atletico was the club that offered the sum called. According to a report by As, the other interested parties were Real Madrid, Manchester United – and City.
Mendes’ statements have now been made public in the course of investigations into ex-Benfica boss Luis Filipe Vieira. He is accused of money laundering and serious fraud. Mendes was also recorded during wiretapping by the investigators.
His client Felix, winner of the 2019 Golden Boy Award, has rarely lived up to the rojiblancos’ huge expectations since his record transfer. The 22-year-old has made 18 competitive appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Felix’ contract runs until 2026.