Atletico Madrid have beaten a host of Europe s top clubs to the signing of highly rated Benfica teenager Joao Felix for €126million.
The LaLiga club submitted an offer last Thursday, just three weeks after he made his debut for Portugal, and the deal was completed six days later.
He has signed a contract for the next seven seasons with the Wanda Metropolitano side.
Joao Felix scored 20 goals in all competitions during the 2018-19 season his first as part of Benfica s senior squad and in April became the youngest player to hit a Europa League hat-trick.
Head-turning performances domestically and in continental competitions reportedly captured the attention of Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United, but Atletico have moved quickest to win his signature.
Joao Felix had a release clause of €120m but Benfica will receive a sum greater than that as Atletico s payments will be made in instalments.
The 19-year-old s arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano could pave the way for Antoine Griezmann s exit.
The France forward has made clear his intention to leave the club as Diego Simeone plots a squad rebuild, with Diego Godin already confirming his departure and Filipe Luis tipped to follow.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti)