Manchester United are reportedly looking to step up their interest in Joao Felix and are ready to smash the club transfer record to sign the SL Benfica youngster.
Spanish publication Don Balon have claimed that Manchester United are looking to pip other suitors in pursuit of Joao Felix. The SL Benfica youngster is also on the radar of Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are set to pursue his signature profusely in the summer transfer window.
According to the other reports, Juventus are also looking to unite Cristiano Ronaldo with the brightest Portuguese gem of the current generation, Joao Felix, in a bid to build a squad that can finally bring UEFA Champions League glory to the club.
Joao Felix is a unique phenomenon. The youngster was once a part of FC Porto’s youth setup before making his way to SL Benfica, wherein he has grown leaps and bounds to be where he is at today. Preferring the second striker role in attack, Felix has caught the attention of the footballing world with a whirlwind of a 2018-19 campaign.
With a return of 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions so far this season, Felix has been drawing interest from the who’s who of world football. While Real Madrid were touted to be in the lead at one point, Barcelona and Juventus also retain interest in the 19-year-old. Manchester United though, might be the dark horses in the race to sign Felix.
The Red Devils have had a difficult few seasons since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. One of the most damning assertions has been that they have been unable to replace Robin van Persie with a potent forward. Jose Mourinho brought in Romelu Lukaku. But, the Belgian’s inconsistency has cost United dear.
Marcus Rashford could have proven to be the solution to United’s attacking problem after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over. But, the academy graduate has been out of form for a couple of months now. Solskjaer prefers to play a 4-4-2 diamond. But, the players reprising the role at the front of the diamond and strikers have floundered in recent times.
Joao Felix could solve a lot of issues. For one, the youngster can also play the number 10 role at the head of the diamond. Alternatively, Solskjaer could use Felix as part of the frontline, should one of Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku end up leaving the club.
Juan Mata’s contract runs out at the end of the season, leaving just Jesse Lingard as the option to assume the number 10 role. United have been linked with Christian Eriksen. But, Felix could be a more accessible target and one that could offer a more long-term benefit to the club.
Manchester United have a history of recruiting from Portugal, the latest examples coming in the form of Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot. The Red Devils are reportedly ready to smash the club transfer record to activate Felix’s €120 million release clause, which would eclipse what United paid to Juventus for Paul Pogba.
Joao Felix has a lot of admirers and will be one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer window. It will now be interesting to see who among Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United will be able to get their hands on the latest Portuguese sensation.
