Manchester United has been handed a big boost in signing Joao Felix with Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin confirming that the forward could leave in the upcoming transfer window.
Felix has experienced a difficult season with the Spanish giants. He has played just over 800 minutes of first-team football and has been a regular on the bench under manager Diego Simeone.
It was recently revealed that United is one of the ‘most interested clubs’ in the Portuguese star, who is valued at €100 million. Gill has now opened the door for Felix to leave next month.
Speaking to TVE, the Atletico chief also confirmed the mixed relationship between the player and Simeone and added that Felix has plans of pursuing a fresh challenge elsewhere.
He said: “Signing him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history. I think he is a top world-class player, but because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation.”
“It’d be reasonable to analyze an option for him to depart if one arrives. It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But, that’s not the player’s idea.”
United has the perfect opportunity to land Felix
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the 23-year-old. They were first interested in him during his Benfica days and also failed with a €130m proposal in the last transfer window.
Atletico is now willing to sell him for around €100m including add-ons. United has the perfect opportunity to land him in January to ward off interest from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Both clubs were also in the mix to land the highly-rated attacker last summer. If the Red Devils were to wait until the end of the season, one of the duo could beat them to the player’s services.
The big question now is whether Erik ten Hag will be backed with significant funds in January. The Dutchman reportedly has the preference to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old will cost around €58m this winter. It would be a big statement if United can also lure Felix from the clutches of Atletico next month. Whether that happens is left to be seen.
Felix has averaged a goal contribution in every 116 minutes for Atletico this term. He could excel under Ten Hag at United as he will get to play a more expressive style of attacking football.
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