Report: 'World-class' player is now being strongly told to join Aston Villa in January

By Milo Clay

Joao Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes is really pushing for him to join Unai Emery at Aston Villa, according to the Athletic. 

Villa look set to back their new boss Emery in the upcoming transfer window after an underwhelming start to the season under Steven Gerrard. 

The Villains picked up some positive results before the World Cup as Emery pulled off a brilliant win over Manchester United in his first home game. 

They also managed to secure an impressive win over Brighton the following weekend and Emery will be looking to build on some promising displays. 

Marca claimed last week that Villa are eyeing an ambitious move for Atletico Madrid’s Felix in January. Now, it seems that his agent is actually pushing for him to move to the Midlands. 

Felix’s agent pushing for him to join Villa 

The Athletic reports that Mendes is pushing the option of Felix moving to Villa Park due to his strong relationship with the board. 

The Portuguese super agent was involved in the deal that saw Emery join the Villains after Gerrard was sacked. 

Some Premier League sides believe Felix could be available on loan, with a massive salary and fee involved. But others believe it would take a permanent move after Atletico signed the youngster for £113 million back in 2019. 

Felix looks set to secure a move away from the Spanish capital after an underwhelming spell under Diego Simeone. 

The 23-year-old has expressed his desire to leave Atletico and their CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, recently confirmed as such. 

“Signing him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history,” he said. 

“I think he is a top world-class player, but because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives.

“It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But that’s not the player’s plan.”

Felix will undoubtedly attract plenty of interest after Marin’s comments and it’s surprising to see him linked with a move to Villa Park. 

While Emery may face a tough task in convincing the player to join Villa over the likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, their links with Mendes could help their cause. 

Villa have certainly shown plenty of ambition in recent years and have brought big names to the club, including the likes of Philippe Coutinho. But it would be a massive surprise if they were able to bring a ‘world-class’ talent like Felix to the club.