Man Utd-target Joao Felix to leave on loan: The details

Cameron Smith

• 22 Nov 2022 13:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Joao Felix could be set to leave La Liga giants Atletico Madrid on loan due to the fact the Spanish club have not received any permanent offers for the Portugal international.

Atleti's financial troubles have led to reports reveal that they need to sell assets in January in order to balance the books. Felix, Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Lemar are the players who have reportedly been put up for sale, with Atletico needing to raise funds.

However, according to AS, Atletico Madrid have not yet received any transfer offers for Felix, despite putting him up for sale. As a result, they will allow him to leave on loan, in an attempt to clear their wage bill.

READ: Man Utd to be given 'second chance' to sign Atletico Madrid star

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for the Atletico forward, as they both attempt to bolster their frontline.

Felix, 22, joined Atleti from boyhood club Benfica for a huge €126 million back in 2019, but he's struggled with fitness issues, form and simply getting a consistent run in the team.

However, Felix may be given an escape route during the January transfer window due to Atletico Madrid's Champions League group stage exit. Atleti finished bottom of their group, meaning they won't receive any more prize money for being in Europe's premier club competition and also will not have Europa League football in the new year.

READ: Blow for Man Utd after Simeone U-turn on Felix

As a result, Atletico need to offload players.

Felix to Man Utd?

Although he's never quite hit the levels expected of him at Atletico Madrid, and is still yet to hit double digits for league goals in a season at the club, Felix remains one of Europe's brightest young talents.

He's still only 22 years old and has a lot to offer a side like Man Utd. With Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan causing a cloud over his future at the club and Anthony Martial an unreliable player fitness-wise, Man Utd do need another attacker in central areas.

Felix fills that void and would suit how Erik ten Hag likes his forward to drop deep at times and link play. Furthermore, Felix could benefit from a change in surroundings, with his time at Atleti at risk of petering out spectacularly.

As a result, a move to Man Utd suits all parties: Ten Hag gets a quality forward on a short-term deal, Felix escapes Atletico Madrid, and Simeone's side are able to clear some of their wage bill.