Manchester City have reportedly offered a £100,000 per week mega deal to land Benfica prodigy Joao Felix, who is also a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester City have taken a big step in their bid to secure the services of Joao Felix in the summer transfer window. The Premier League champions have tabled a £100,000-a-week deal in order to beat Manchester United in the race to sign the Benfica wonderkid.
Joao Felix has made quite a splash since breaking into the first-team setup at Benfica this past season, having taken little time to establish himself as a regular for the side. By the end of the term, the teenage prodigy had amassed 43 appearances across all competitions, a truly staggering figure for a player still in his teens.
But, what was even more impressive was his return, with Felix recording a tally of 20 goals and 11 assists. And, his exploits have invariably caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with the big battle being waged between Manchester City and Manchester United.
At Manchester City, the priority is to lay down the succession plan for David Silva, who has been a colossal presence in their midfield for years. The Premier League champions failed in this place last summer, but are now determined to add an attacking midfielder to their ranks this time around.
While Felix is not exactly a like-for-like replacement, he has the creative nous that could complement the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva while also proving to be a goalscoring threat. Manchester City though, have local rivals Manchester United for competition in his pursuit.
At Manchester United, Felix could be an even more natural fit in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 4-4-2, at the tip of the midfield diamond. With the future of Paul Pogba up in the air, the Portuguese international could be a long-term replacement at Old Trafford. Alternatively, he could also slot in as part of the front two, playing off the central striker.
And, Manchester United will reportedly have no qualms in meeting his £105 million release clause. But, their major point of concern is the fact that Manchester City have made the first move in their bid to secure the services of the 19-year-old.
The Premier League champions have offered a five-year deal worth £100,000 per week to the teen. City, like United, do not mind shelling out £105 million to sign him either, and with Champions League football on offer, the blue half of Manchester may have the edge in the chase for Felix.
For now, it looks like Manchester City might have taken the lead in the race to sign Joao Felix, who appears set to leave Benfica this summer. It now remains to be seen if Manchester United can do anything to rival City’s £100,000-a-week deal, or if they are forced to give up instead.
