KEY POINTS
- Joao Felix moved from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019
- Felix made his senior debut in the 2018-19 season
- Felix scored 20 goals in his maiden senior campaign
Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix is reportedly willing to join Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window.
Felix has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2026. The Portuguese striker is ready to accept a loan deal from Manchester United in the winter window next month, reported Spanish outlet Diario AS. Felix has also not ruled out the possibility of continuing at Atletico Madrid as he still has a long-term contract with the Wanda Metropolitano side.
However, Felix’s future at Atletico Madrid depends on boss Diego Simeone’s situation. If the Argentinian head coach remains in the Spanish capital, Felix is expected to leave the club permanently.
While Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has also been a rumored destination for Felix, the Ligue 1 side is yet to open official talks with the Portuguese striker, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has a credible record in the European transfer market.
Paris Saint-Germain have never opened concrete talks to sign João Félix from Atlético Madrid, they’re still not actively working on any January move as main focus will be the summer. 🔴🔵 #PSG
Milan Skriniar remains top target for PSG in 2023. pic.twitter.com/DuTj6sRTVO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 25, 2022
PSG, who are looking for another striker, could use Felix’s Portuguese connection with their sporting advisor Luis Campos to lure the player to Parc des Princes.
After starting off his soccer career at the Portuguese club Os Pestinhas, Felix moved to Porto’s youth system and then to Benfica. After representing Benfica’s youth teams for three years, Felix made his first team debut with the club in the 2018-19 season.
The young striker had an impressive maiden season, scoring 20 goals in 43 games across all competitions for Benfica. It led to an offer from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid paid Benfica around $130 million and landed Felix in the summer of 2019. However, Felix has struggled to adapt to Simeone’s style and philosophy.
Although Felix has netted four goals and three assists in 18 matches for Atletico this season, he has not managed to clinch many starts. Of the 18 games he was featured in, Felix started in only nine.
AFP / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU
Atletico are now preparing to cut their losses by lowering the asking price, with a total package worth $103 million to offload Felix. If the clubs are unwilling to spend big during the January window, Atletico is also prepared to accept loan offers with no obligation to buy. They are asking for a loan fee of $9.6 million.
