Manchester United have reportedly joined the transfer race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix ahead of the January transfer window.
Despite offering little in terms of goals this season, Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit after the termination of his contract by mutual consent last month has left the Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag’s striker options thin. And the door to one of the most talented young forwards may have opened, with two other European bigwigs in the race.
According to Goal, Atletico Madrid will listen to offers for Joao Felix in January amidst strong links with Manchester United. The Premier League giants met the player’s agent Jorge Mendes in the summer over a potential move. However, Atletico Madrid were not keen to sell him—a stance that has changed over the months after the forward fell out of favour under Diego Simeone, the report adds.
Felix, 23, joined Atletico Madrid in a £108m deal from Benfica in 2019 but has failed to live up to the lofty expectations in the Spanish capital. The La Liga club are now prepared to cut their losses and have lowered their asking price for their forward to £86million, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona also interested in the Portugal international.
Joao Felix to Man United—Should the Red Devils make a move?
Manchester United are in desperate need of a striker, having parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo by mutual consent last month. Anthony Martial is the only natural striker at Erik ten Hag’s disposal, but his poor injury record and fitness problems have ruined a promising start to life under the Man United boss.
Marcus Rashford is also capable of leading the line and has continued his renaissance in form for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with three strikes in four games. But the 25-year-old’s best performances in a Man United shirt have come while operating down the left flank, leaving Ten Hag’s side with a lack of natural No.9 who can consistently score goals.
Amidst their hunt for a striker, the Red Devils have seemingly revived their interest in Joao Felix. The 23-year-old has struggled for Atletico this season, bagging just two goals and three assists in all competitions. But he has been good at the World Cup, scoring in Portugal’s opening day 3-2 victory against Ghana. He has been part of a Portugal attack that includes Man United playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
Felix isn’t a natural striker which United are scouring the market for, but his ability to play anywhere in the front line or as a No.10 should appeal to Ten Hag. He has played in a variety of positions under Diego Simeone, and such sort of versatility should make the 23-year-old a good fit in Ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international is fast, decisive, creative and dynamic, capable of producing moments of magic. He may take time to get used to the physical demands of Premier League football but has the talent to cut the mustard in England and potentially form a scary partnership with Rashford, Martial and Antony in the United attack.
With Atletico now ready to part ways with Joao Felix for a much palatable £86million, the Red Devils must try securing his signature when the transfer window reopens in January.
