Benfica still looking to increase João Felix's release clause

Benfica are still hoping to increase the valuation of Joao Felix’s existing release clause amid interest from elite clubs across the continent.

Club president Luis Filipe Vieira has been adamant that no fee below his contract termination fee will be accepted by the club as they look to build a team built around young, home-grown players.

And Vieira is hoping to increase his valuation even further, looking to upgrade the release clause to 200 million euros.

João Felix only signed a new contract with the club three months ago, where he signed a deal of 350,000 euros gross per season, which came with a 120 million euro release clause.

João Felix will require a substantial pay rise to agree to the new deal though, with the young forward hoping for 1 million euros net per season, as A Bola reports. These are demands which Benfica are likely to agree to.

It is a further sign of intent from the club and the president, as they look to bat away any potential suitors from nabbing one of the biggest prospects to ever come through Benfica’s academy.

Both Juventus and Manchester United are the two clubs who have been linked with the forward in recent weeks, with a handful of other sides also in the mix.

Felix has been in sensational form in his debut campaign in Benfica’s senior team, grabbing 11 goals and 6 assists in just 29 appearances.