Portuguese sensation Joao Felix is one of the hottest talents in world football and his fantastic performances for Portuguese side Benfica has attracted the interest of clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City (report by Mirror), as well as Real Madrid and Juventus. Benfica want £120 million for the 19-year-old, which is the release clause in the teenager’s contract.
Madrid have already put in a bid of £80 million, which was rejected by the Portuguese club as they want nothing less than £120 million for the supremely talented teenager. The report suggests that the Spanish club may go back and make another offer, this time including goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the deal, a player who Benfica want.
In his very first season with the senior team, Felix made a big impact for the Portuguese side, scoring 19 goals and 8 assists in 38 games, including a hat-trick in the Europa League. Benfica won the Portuguese league while bowing out in the semi-finals of the cup competitions in Portugal. Felix has now been called up to the Portuguese national team ahead of their Nations League semi-final tie against Switzerland.
Man United or Man City: Which club will be a better fit for Joao Felix?
Felix has shown in his first season in senior football that he’s a player to watch now and for the next decade or so. The teenage talent, who can play as a striker, second striker, or out wide on the wing, is an all-round player who can pass, dribble and shoot, causing trouble to opposition defences in more ways than one.
A player with quick feet, speed, and passing ability, Felix could get into any team in the world on current form. His direct running, dribbling, long-range shooting resembles that of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Felix is a one-in-a-million player, someone who will be a valuable asset to any team for at least a decade.
If it boils down to choosing between Manchester United and Manchester City, Felix will have a tough decision to make. While Manchester United aren’t the force that they once were and he may not have opportunities to win a title in the next 2-3 years, he will be afforded first-team football, and possibly become one of Manchester United’s most important player.
On the other hand, Manchester City play exciting football, are winning trophies, and have one of the best managers in Pep Guardiola.
Felix should probably choose to join Manchester City as he will not only learn and become a better player under a manager like Guardiola, but he could also become City’s main striker once Sergio Aguero retires or leaves the club – which could happen in the next few years as the Argentine recently turned 31 and has promised to return to his native club Independiente while he is still in his prime form.