Joao Felix delights Barça scouts with Europa League hat-trick
The young Portuguese striker is well liked by the sporting department and outshone another potential candidate, Luka Jovic
Benfica striker Joao Felix dragged his side within touching distance of the Europa League semi-finals with a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt. The contest was attended by many scouts, including from FC Barcelona, and it was the Portuguese youngster who stole the show.
Felix isn't a new player on Barça's radar. The 19-year-old's talent is well known amongst Europe and he's one of the candidates to be a long-term successor to Luis Suarez. Another person who is hoping to be at the Camp Nou next season lined up against Felx last night: Luka Jovic.
The 'Estadio de Laz' was the perfect setting for sides with one eye on the future. Interestingly both Jovic and Felix are technically on the books of Benfica, with the Serbian man on loan at Eintracht.
Jovic grabbed a goal for the German side and Felix responded with a hat-trick.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are after young Felx and this forced Benfica into agreeing a new contract with their latest superstar-in-waiting.
That extension of his deal, which now runs until 2023, sees the buyout clause rise to €120m. Despite that Benfica don't want to sit on their hands and will try to offer him better terms this summer and raise that clause to around €200m.
