Manchester United have reportedly emerged as a possible destination for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United are keeping a tab on Atletico Madrid youngster Joao Felix. The Portuguese international has not been able to make his mark at the Wanda Metropolitano since his arrival, and the Spanish giants are contemplating cashing in on him.
Manchester United reportedly had an offer knocked down by the Spanish giants this past summer as they did not want to part ways with one of their most prized assets. The Red Devils are quite well stocked in the attacking department, but the potential departure of Cristiano Ronaldo will create a big void, and only a marquee signing would be able to plug the gap.
Anthony Martial’s recurring injury problems have been a matter of great concern for Manchester United, while Marcus Rashford’s inconsistency has been a key reason behind the Red Devils’ recent struggles.
Atletico Madrid paid a club record £113 million transfer fee to Benfica to welcome Felix to the Spanish capital, and they will likely look to recoup the entire transfer fee if they are to let the player leave the Wanda Metropolitano.
Reports have suggested that Felix has an enormous release clause in his current contract, and any club interested in making a deal would have to honour the same. In addition, Atletico Madrid still owe Benfica a huge chunk of the aforementioned transfer fee, and any money they receive from the sale will be served to the Portuguese club, mostly as a part of the contract.
Although Los Rojiblancos need to sell the player at a much higher price to receive a major profit, there is uncertainty as no major club would want to splash the cash on a player who has not hit the chord yet. Felix loves to play just behind the main striker, but he can also be deployed across the front three and has also had encounters playing as an attacking midfielder in some of the games.
Felix might thrive in Erik ten Hag’s pressing style, but a deal in January seems unlikely as Manchester United funded the big-money transfer of Antony this summer. However, if Cristiano Ronaldo decides to leave in search of regular UEFA Champions League football, the Red Devils will definitely bring in a player worthy of being his successor, with Felix a possible candidate.
