- 2 hours ago
Man Utd receive boost in Joao Felix race
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 28 Dec 2022 17:54 GMT
- 4 min read
Manchester United are in the market for a new forward and are eyeing up Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix as a possible option to lead their line in the second half of the season.
The Red Devils are short in attack, especially after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo this month and will have to invest during the upcoming January transfer window if they hope to maintain their top four push.
Erik ten Hag only has Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to rely on, with the club already missing out on Cody Gakpo as he is set to join Liverpool.
READ: Man Utd and Arsenal hold talks for Joao Felix: The details
Felix has emerged as one of the top targets for the club, with the Portuguese player keen to leave Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have an advantage in the race.
Man Utd have Felix advantage
Felix has had a difficult time since signing for Atletico Madrid in 2019, rarely showing the heights he was backed to hit in his time in the Spanish capital.
To add to that, he hasn’t had the best relations with manager Diego Simeone, and that has opened the door for his departure in the January window, even if it is just on a loan deal.
READ: Joao Felix: Chelsea are looking at a deal for Atletico Madrid star
Manchester United have an advantage given their good relations with agent Jorge Mendes, who will also represent Felix in any potential deal in January.
The club and agent have worked on many transfers in the past – including that of Ronaldo – and will be hoping to make the most of that relationship if they want to sign Felix.
Challenge for all João Félix suitors is he's being offered on straight loan with no option to buy. That means an outlay of £8m (fee) and £5.3m (net salary). Felix offered to #AFC, #CFC, #MUFC, #NUFC and Villa. But a 'give' is needed by Atleti to make a loan more appealing. pic.twitter.com/Ah0Jafwe7a
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 27, 2022
Additionally, Manchester United have a good history of working with Portuguese talent and have done so successfully over the years.
In the current squad, there are two Portuguese talents in Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom have been crucial to Ten Hag’s set up since the manager joined the club.
Felix will be hoping his impressive World Cup displays with Portugal help land him a move so he can reignite his career away from Madrid.
