Manchester United are reportedly among a host of clubs to have registered their interest in landing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
The Portugal international, 23, is ready to move away from Atletico Madrid in the New Year and, earlier this week, the club’s chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin admitted that the player is keen for pastures new. The forward’s relationship with Diego Simeone has soured this season, leading to a possible exit in the January transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Joao Felix next month. Arsenal are also interested in the player, as Mikel Arteta scours the market to find a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Felix shone at the Qatar World Cup, producing eye-catching displays against Ghana and Switzerland. He was one of the rare bright sparks in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the tournament’s quarter-finals.
While the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been offered the chance to sign the Portuguese, the size of the deal to land Felix does look problematic, with Atletico Madrid wanting over £100m as they look to recoup as much money possible after shelling £113m for him in 2019, the report adds.
Joao Felix to Manchester United—Should they make a move?
In light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit after his contract was terminated mutually in November, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with Anthony Martial as the only recognised No.9, Manchester United are looking to sign a striker in the upcoming winter transfer window to keep them in the hunt for a top-four place.
The Red Devils, despite possessing a lot of quality in attack, have not been prolific goal-scorers this season—something Ten Hag is wary of and wants to address. Anthony Martial now being the only standard No.9 has exposed their lack of backup options, but with Ten Hag an admirer of flexible forwards, a player in the ilk of Joao Felix could make a difference in the coming months.
Felix has struggled to live up to the staggering price tag at Atletico Madrid, managing just 33 goals in 129 appearances. Although we’ve not quite seen the best of the 23-year-old in Atletico colours, he looked like a world-class talent at Benfica and he’s still young enough to get his career back on track and, subsequently, realise his true potential.
Under Ten Hag at Man United, Felix could do that as he needs confidence, backing and a different surrounding to get back his mojo. The Portugal international is a real livewire in and around the box, always looking to make things happen with his pace, movement and creativity. He would undoubtedly bolster United’s attacking unit, whilst bringing healthy competition for places within the squad.
While Ten Hag will obviously be frustrated to see Ronaldo leave the club in a bitter way, the Portuguese megastar’s departure could prove to be a blessing in disguise on a more long-term basis, as he may not have opted to move for a new forward otherwise. If Man United can seal Felix’s signing on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season, it would represent a terrific move.