"I would pay 120 million for Fernandes before João Felix"

Felix is set to join Atletico Madrid for a substantial 120 million euros - but one former Porto coach felt that money should have been spent on another Portuguese player.

The exploits of Felix have not gone unnoticed this season with worldwide attention on the 19-year old after a sensational breakthrough campaign - which left him with plenty of admirers.

However, Felix was arguably not the top performer in the Primeira Liga last season - and some believe that the outlay could have been better invested.

One of those people is Domingos Paciencia, an ex-Porto player who has trained both Porto B and Sporting CP. He has revealed to Radio Renanscenca that if it were up to him, he would have spent the money on another Portuguese player rather than Felix.

“If I were president of a club, I would pay the 120 million far more quickly for Bruno Fernandes [than Felix], not only for the season that he has had, but he is only 24 years old - he is at the peak of his career.”

“I think Bruno Fernandes is much more complete at the moment; that’s not to say that Joao Felix, when he is Bruno Fernandes’ age, can not surpass him significantly.”

Fernandes is linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool, and is expecting to leave Sporting this summer.

He appeared to post a farewell message on social media yesterday, further adding to the speculation regarding his future.

Domingos Paciencia. Photo author: Roger Gorączniak. License link.