Manchester United have reportedly started negotiations with Benfica over the possibility of signing Portuguese sensation Joao Felix in the summer.
According to a report from Portuguese publication Record, as carried by Sport Witness, Manchester United have entered negotiations with Benfica as they look to secure the signing of teenage sensation Joao Felix in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are even prepared to match the 19-year-old’s €120 million buyout clause in order to seal the deal.
After a disastrous 2018-19 campaign, Manchester United have their task cut out ahead of the next term. And how they fare in the upcoming transfer window is going to have a major say in their fortunes for the season ahead. Signings are needed in almost all areas of the pitch, especially in the final third, where a lack of creativity has hampered the team.
In order to address that, Manchester United have identified Joao Felix as a key transfer target heading into the transfer window. The 20-time English champions have scouted the versatile attacker extensively for the past year, as per the report, and are now ready to step up their pursuit of him.
Felix broke into the Benfica first-team in the 2018-19 campaign and has quickly established himself as one of the most coveted young footballers in Europe. Prominently used as a second striker, the Portuguese talent can play in a multitude of positions in the final third and has made quite an impression with an excellent tally of 20 goals and 11 assists from 43 matches in all competitions.
Felix’s rapid rise to stardom has seen him attract interest from a number of European heavyweights apart from Manchester United. Premier League champions and United’s local rivals Manchester City are reportedly one of his strongest admirers, while La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are also eyeing him as a replacement for the exit-bound Antoine Griezmann, the report claims.
With interest in the 19-year-old mounting by the day, Manchester United have taken the first step in trying to sign him up. The Red Devils, as per the report from Record, have begun talks with Benfica over the possibility of signing their prized asset in the summer and have informed that they would be willing to match Felix’s release clause that stands at €120 million.
Manchester United had an official present during Benfica’s 4-1 triumph over Santa Clara this past Saturday, during which Felix went on to score a goal. The lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford next season might hamper their chances should other clubs make an approach. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils are able to capture his signing or get beaten to the punch by someone else.
