Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Jorge Mendes to sign 19-year-old Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Manchester United have taken a big step towards signing Joao Felix, having held discussions with his agent Jorge Mendes over the 19-year-old prodigy’s availability in the summer transfer window. The Benfica star is also being tailed by Manchester City and Juventus.
Joao Felix is a player who has been hailed as one for the future for many years in Portugal. But, upon bursting onto the scene with the Benfica first-team this season, the teenager has gone on to show exactly why he is rated so highly in his homeland, having taken big steps towards becoming regular at Estadio da Luz.
His record this season makes for an impressive reading as well, with Felix notching up 10 goals and 6 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions. His advent has reportedly attracted plenty of clubs, with Manchester United, in particular, scouting him aggressively.
Juan Mata is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with his contract set to run out at the end of the season, although recent reports have suggested that the Spaniard is set to sign a new deal. Even with Mata, quality from Manchester United’s backup options in attack has not been at the required level.
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have been quite consistent for United upon the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the caretaker boss. But, the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mata have been frustratingly poor, while Romelu Lukaku is reportedly being linked with a move away from the club.
To that end, signing a player like Felix, who can potentially fill in at multiple positions in attack seems to make sense, considering he could be a long-term solution. And, as per the report, Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of the 19-year-old attacking wizard.
The Premier League heavyweights have held a meeting with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes to let him know about their interest in his client. But, Manchester United are not alone in pursuit of Felix, with fierce local rivals Manchester City and Juventus also monitoring his progress.
As of now, however, United are the only club who have taken their interest forward, and it remains to be seen if they now approach Benfica with an offer for their prodigy. Till then, Joao Felix continues to go from strength to strength, earning admirers in Portugal and beyond.
