TugaScout is an English-language site reporting on matters associated with Portuguese football by freelance writer Alex Goncalves, offering the latest news, reviews and opinions surrounding the Portuguese League and the Seleção players based abroad.

Portugal international Rony Lopes questions the price paid for João Felix

In the wake of Joao Felix’s 126 million euro move to Atletico Madrid, many are still struggling to get their head around the monstrous fee paid for the teenage star.

After just 10 months of senior football, Felix becomes the fourth most expensive footballer in history, only behind the trio of Neymar, Mbappe and Coutinho.

And confusion and scepticism as to whether Felix should be worth that much is understandable - even current Portugal internationals are still questioning the money paid.

Monaco winger Rony Lopes, who has played for Portugal twice, is one such player, saying in an interview with Sport TV: “If Joao Felix is worth this, then how much is Bruno Fernandes worth?”

“A midfielder that scores 30 goals is worth how much? But it’s not Joao’s fault. It is the clubs and the people that set these values.”

It is a lot of pressure for a young player. He has quality, without any doubt, but he is still a youngster and has many things to learn.”

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