Manchester City have shown an interest in Benfica’s young sensation, Joao Felix after Bayern Munich confirmed they are thinking about making a move for Leroy Sane. The Brazilian Gabriel Jesus has also been linked with a move away from the Etihad after getting limited playing time under Pep Guardiola.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Felix is on the radar of three European giants in Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City. Benfica’s executive manager Domingos Soares de Oliveira said the Portuguese side won’t accept any offers south of the teenager’s release clause of €120m (£105m).
Earlier, Felix helped the Portuguese side lift the Liga NOS title this season and garnered huge praise for his performances in Europe which included a Europa League quarter-final hattrick. The Portuguese winger has been a sensation this year scoring 20 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions. Felix also gathered 11 assists highlighting his link-up play in the final third.
Joao Felix under Pep Guardiola: How will he fit in?
Felix is a versatile youngster who features in a second striker’s position but can play pretty much anywhere across the final third. His flexibility to play on either wing, as a centre-forward or as an attacking midfielder combined with the quality he possesses makes him a bright young prospect for the future at any club.
Guardiola, who has been a brilliant advocate of the game, has a history of developing bright talents like Felix into world class superstars. A well-rounded player like Felix can offer many things and play different roles on the pitch which is basically the first step to sign up under the Catalan.
With the expected departure of Leroy Sane, the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero nearing 31 years of age, Felix can become the face of the new City attack for years to come. The 19-year-old, despite his young age, excels at a number of aspects of the game from his ability to provide key passes, dribbling, finishing, shooting from distance and holding onto the ball in tight spaces.
His speed on the break has been a major worry for the opposition defenders and will suit the Sky Blues who are sharp on the counter as well. The Benfica youngster’s vision and game awareness also stands out among the players of his age category and will definitely improve with more experience under his belt.
Guardiola can help the youngster reach the next level like he has done in the past with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Joshua Kimmich, Raheem Sterling and many more.
After two enormously successful seasons in England, Joao Felix is the kind of signing the City boss will want to make to bring some freshness and unpredictability to the attack. However, the Portuguese’s price tag is something which might be a possible hindrance if City are unable to raise a similar amount from player sales this summer.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored
