Story
Manchester City have joined the race to sign Benfica youngster Joao Felix, according to reports from Portuguese media. The 18-year-old is apparently one of the most exciting talents in the Portuguese top flight and has already attracted interest from a series of top clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.
More on the Player
Originally stemming from the youth academy of FC Porto, Joao Felix made a move to Dragon’s arch-rivals Benfica, in the summer of 2015. And the youngster has found astounding success whilst playing for the Benfica youth teams, which eventually resulted in him being quickly promoted to the Benfica B side, earlier this season.
The native of Viseu has been hugely impressive in both Ledman Liga Pro as well as UEFA Youth League this season. The youngster has notched up four goals and five assists, in the Ledman Liga, which is the second tier of Portuguese football. Furthermore, he has also made five appearances for Benfica, in the UEFA Youth League.
Primarily a midfielder, Joao Felix is certainly one of the most impressive attacking outlets in Benfica’s reserve team. The 18-year-old boasts impressive creativity as well as attacking flair, which has helped him evolve as a key playmaker for his team, this season.
However, it’s his ability to work around tight spaces, which has made him such a sought-after talent in the Portuguese second division. The former Porto youth player has incredible ball-carrying abilities, which allows him to thrive in the centre of the pitch, even in the tightest of situations while his link-up play with his teammates has been scintillating this season.
Make no mistake, Joao Felix is definitely an intriguing young midfielder, who boasts impressive technical qualities. The 18-year-old has already shown what he is capable of, in the second division this season and it’s just a matter of time before he gets a call-up to the senior side.
Should Manchester City Make A Move?
As for Manchester City, the Sky Blues should definitely wait a few more seasons and avoid taking any risks rather than gambling on the youngster this summer, who reportedly has a massive release clause of €60m. The Premier League leaders have no shortage of attacking talents in their squadron in Patrick Roberts, Brahim Diaz and therefore, not taking a huge gamble on Joao Felix this summer, seems like a wise decision for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored