Manchester United remain in the hunt to secure a loan deal for Atletico Madrid outcast Joao Felix in the January transfer window.
According to a report by MARCA, as relayed by Sports Witness, Manchester United are lining up a sensational swoop for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix in January. Only an initial loan deal has been considered by the Red Devils as of now. And Manchester United are the “best placed” team to sign the Portuguese international attacker.
Erik ten Hag sanctioned the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with Manchester United terminating his deal following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The Dutch manager further approved a lengthy time off to Jadon Sancho, leaving his attacking contingent very thin ahead of a very crucial juncture, as the fixtures are piling up.
Ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture with Wolves, the manager clarified their position in this upcoming transfer window. “We have a squad, we have players who are matching our criteria but with all the games that are coming, it is a tough competition. We want to be also playing in all of the competitions by winning in games and cups as well.”
“So you need players, you need numbers to cover, so we need good players, not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that. You need also competition [so] that you can make technical choices, so we are looking for the right player for our squad and that has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria.”
Manchester United will only use the loan market to attract any player, and Felix is so desperate to leave the club he will be ready to accept a new challenge in the Premier League. But recent reports had claimed that the Red Devils cannot afford the Portuguese international attacker. So the latest update is a tad-bit surprising.
Jorge Mendes has already offered his club to multiple sides including Manchester United, and further discussions need to take place pretty quickly. The Red Devils are ready to take their bet on the player. But Atletico Madrid’s demand for an £8 million loan fee is proving to be the main obstacle.
Also the Spanish giants want to insert a purchase obligation clause worth £100 million. And that is also what might keep his suitors away from a possible transfer. Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown their intentions to sign Felix, and there could be a severe bidding war in place next month.
