Manchester United have reportedly tabled their first offer for Atletico Madrid misfit Joao Felix as Erik ten Hag attempts to bolster his forward line in January.
The Red Devils are in dire need of a new striker following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo before Christmas - the Portuguese going on to seal a record-breaking move to Saudi outfit Al-Nassr. One of the candidates put forward was Ronaldo’s compatriot Felix with the former Benfica striker having struggled in Madrid over recent seasons.
Various reports have suggested that the young forward’s relationship with current boss Diego Simeone is beyond repair and the Spanish side are now open to letting their record signing leave the Wanda Metropolitano. It appears that an exit has edged ever closer with Man Utd having lodged a bid for the 23-year-old, whilst face-to-face talks have also been held regarding a move.
As per Spanish outlet Revelo, a meeting between the club’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes was held in a restaurant in the Spanish capital. Discussions were reported to be brief at only around 45 minutes but it is thought that Felix’s future was discussed.
It remains to be seen whether United’s offer was at the forefront of conversation with their bid some way off of Atletico’s demands. The Red Devils have reportedly offered to pay the Spanish giants €4m for a loan deal until the end of the campaign.
It appears highly likely that they will have to increase that considerably with previous reports suggesting that the Spanish side were hoping to either receive £18m for a six-month loan deal or alternatively £86m for a permanent deal. Atleti appear unlikely to buckle and as per reports from Spain have not ruled out keeping the Portuguese until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Would Joao Felix be a good signing for Man Utd? Share your thoughts in the comments below
In a further blow to United, there is competition for Felix’s services with Premier League rivals Arsenal thought to be keeping a close eye on developments. The Gunners need a new forward following the long-term injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus.
Felix is currently under contract until the summer of 2026 having moved to Madrid in the summer of 2019 for £113m from Benfica. He has scored 34 goals in 130 appearances in all competitions since - five of those coming this season.
Atleti appear to already have a replacement in mind should he leave the Wanda Metropolitano sooner rather than later. Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias could potentially be drafted in with the 29-year-old having hit eight goals in 14 LaLiga appearances so far this term.
United meanwhile continue to be linked with a clutch of forwards as Ten Hag continues to attempt to add to his attacking options despite the hot run of form found by Marcus Rashford over recent months.
Ronaldo’s new Al-Nassr teammate Vincent Aboubakar could ironically emerge as an option whilst the likes of Memphis Depay, Olivier Giroud and Eric Maxim Choupo Moting have all been mentioned.
