Joao Félix will travel with Atlético de Madrid for a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong next week. The red and white will face local team Kitchee on August 7. They will then travel to Gothenburg to face Juventus four days later.
The decision of Simeone and Gil Marín
Diego Simeone has confirmed his team for the first match. This is probably not going to change in Sweden. Joao 's inclusion reflects Simeone's summer strategy of keeping him in his plans until an acceptable offer arrives.
Before the flight to Asia, Premier League club Aston Villa remains the main option for Felix. Benfica are out of the race and Barcelona are unlikely to rekindle their interest.
Unai Emery's interest and the reactions of the fans
The Portuguese scored in his first pre-season appearance, a 3-1 victory over Getafe. During the match, some Atlético de Madrid fans subjected him to offensive chants. His desire to return to Barcelona has angered many fans, along with his criticism of Atlético while on loan in Catalonia last season.
Unai Emery , Aston Villa coach, had shown interest in Joao Félix. Emery saw in the Portuguese striker a great opportunity to reinforce his attack. However, the decision to include the Portuguese in Atlético de Madrid's preseason tour leaves any possible movement on hold.
Expectations for the preseason and future of Félix
No move will be made until the team returns from Sweden, where their La Liga campaign begins on August 19. For Joao, this preseason is an opportunity to show that he can live up to expectations and become the player Atlético needs. His performance in the preseason games will be closely watched by the coaching staff and fans.
Gil Marín and Simeone's decision also sends a clear message to other clubs interested in Joao Félix. Atlético is not willing to let the player go without giving him one last chance to redeem himself. This could dissuade potential buyers or, on the contrary, increase their interest if Félix shows a good level on the tour.
The inclusion of Joao Félix in Atlético de Madrid's preseason Asian tour is a strategic move by Gil Marín and Simeone. It puts any interest from Unai Emery on hold and gives the Portuguese one last chance to prove his worth. The preseason will be crucial for Joao and for the future of the team.