Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix favours a move to one of Man Utd’s rival suitors, though a report has revealed why he’d be wise to consider the Red Devils.
The Portugal international made headlines in 2019 upon completing a £113m move from Benfica to Atletico. Felix, now 23, was viewed as the future of Diego Simeone’s attack, though his time in Spain hasn’t panned out as many projected.
Felix remains a threat whenever he plays, though starts have been in desperately short supply this season.
Relations between Felix and Simeone are understood to have broken down completely. Spanish outlet Marca reported Felix had lost all faith in his manager back in October.
Since that time, Felix has gone on to start just once in 11 matches. The rift between player and manager has done the club no favours with Atletico failing to get out of the Champions League Group stage and sitting outside of the top four in LaLiga upon breaking for the World Cup.
Felix – who can operate anywhere across the frontline and primarily plays at centre-forward or second striker – has been a shining light of late.
He’s bagged three goals in his last 54 minutes of LaLiga action. But indicating how out of favour with Simeone he is, neither of those matches – which Atletico didn’t win – saw Felix start.
He’s under contract until 2026, though the writing appears to be on the wall regarding his long-term future in Madrid.
Friday’s Euro Paper Talk revealed Manchester United and PSG were interested in ending Felix’s Atletico nightmare. In fact, it was claimed PSG are already plotting a move, with an initial loan arrival to their liking.
Now, French outlet MediaFoot add to the saga, claiming Paris is Felix’s preferred destination if he does depart.
PSG preferred, though there’s a problem
However, they also sound a pertinent warning to the player if he were to join the French giants.
It’s noted the primary reason Felix wants to leave Atletico is his lack of regular game-time this season. However, moving to PSG may see that trend continue.
PSG have Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi at their disposal. All three are near-undroppable when fit, meaning Felix would be relegated to a bench role if signed.
Conversely, Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable outburst has all but confirmed he’s played his last match for Manchester United.
The Red Devils are soon to be in need of a new centre-forward and the gritty and more mobile Felix could be a perfect fit for Ten Hag.
A club of United’s stature rarely chase targets who wouldn’t be starters at clubs of a similar size. However, the attacking firepower PSG already possess may give United a key advantage in any bidding war – guaranteed minutes.
MediaFoot also put Juventus among Felix’s interested parties. while fresh reports out of Spain on Sunday suggested a Felix transfer won’t cost anywhere near what it once would.
Due to the deteriorating relations at Atletico, it’s claimed Felix could now be snapped up for just £52m (€60m).
If United sell Ronaldo in January or cancel his contract, a replacement forward could be on the agenda to ensure Ten Hag isn’t caught short in the race for top four.
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