Atletico Madrid smash transfer record with £113m capture of Joao Felix to make him fifth most expensive transfer ever – The Sun
ATLETICO MADRID have made 19-year-old Joao Felix the fifth most expensive player ever in a huge £113million deal after confirming his signing from Benfica.
The La Liga giants beat Manchester United and City to the signing and look to have replaced Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, who announced plans to leave the club.
Felix becomes the most expensive Portuguese player in history, costing £13m than countryman Cristiano Ronaldo – who signed for Juventus last summer for £99m.
Atletico managed to beat off competition from both Manchester clubs by paying £5m more than the 19-year-old’s £108m release clause and will pay in instalments rather than all up front.
Departing Griezmann has surrendered his No7 jersey to the club's record signing Felix.
The teen star made 43 appearances last campaign scoring 20 goals while also earning his first call up to the national side.
Felix has signed a seven-year deal with Atletico and joins Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera, who arrived from Porto.
Neymar’s £198m transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 remains the most costly transfer in history.
The French champions paid Monaco £162m for Kylian Mbappe while Philippe Coutinho is the third most expensive signing costing Barcelona £145m from Liverpool.
Ousmane Dembele set Barcelona back some £135.5m when his move from Borussia Dortmund was confirmed in August 2017.
Although the Nou Camp side have since rejected a £63m bid for Dembele from Bayern Munich.
Felix has been likened to Portugal captain Ronaldo due to his fast feet and skill and found himself playing on both wings but predominantly through the middle last season.
Atletico are also braced to lose rebel striker Diego Costa – who was linked with a big money move to China.
Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata could be the man to partner Felix in Atletico’s attack, but Stamford Bridge chiefs are now demanding a £50m transfer fee for the loanee.
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