Rijo Sam Daniel
Atletico Madrid ready to sell Joao Felix amidst Manchester United interest
According to Spanish news outlet AS (h/t Metro), Atletico Madrid are ready to sell their forward Joao Felix amidst interest from Manchester United. He has fallen down the pecking order in recent times and has not reached the level many believed he would since joining from Liga NOS.
The 22-year-old left Benfica to join Atletico in 2019 after a humongous fee of £113million was paid for his services in the same summer where Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona. However, he has not justified that price so far and has failed to live up to expectations. Many tipped him to rise to the top, having impressed in Portugal, but he has not attained those levels.
Felix has scored 20 goals while assisting 11 times in 88 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish giants. Interestingly enough, he hit those same stats at his former club in just 43 matches. While goals and assists aren’t the only indications of a striker’s ability, Los Colchoneros would have expected to see better numbers than that considering the amount they dished out for him.
Man United are keen on getting his services, but they will have to deal with competition from fellow Premier League clubs. Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United are also eyeing the Portuguese striker in an attempt to get him to England. Atleti president Gil Marin supposedly told his agent Jorge Mendes that they are open to selling him if the right offer is made.
An opportunity?
Since we have enquired about a transfer, it shows that the Red Devils are looking at options to back Ralf Rangnick. The youngster was left on the bench in his team’s crucial Champions League tie against Porto, which could tell us something about his current status.
Minutes have been harder to come by for the La Liga star following the return of Antoine Griezmann, with injuries also playing a role. Interestingly, he may just be replaced in the starting XI by a man who he was himself expected to replace a little more than two years ago.
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Some may be concerned about the Portugal international’s lack of excellent displays, but those who have watched him would know that he is influential besides getting in on the goal-involvement tally. However, it would not be wrong to suggest that he can still take his game to another level if he wants to become one of the best players in the world.
Diego Simeone’s side is not an attack-oriented team that could have played a part in Felix’s stagnation. But should he move to Old Trafford under Rangnick, we could see him reach his potential and be given more attacking freedom. It remains to be seen what lies in store for him as the transfer window draws close.
We currently have the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and now Anthony Elanga making waves at Old Trafford. So if we miss out on the ex-Benfica man, it shouldn’t be the end of the world.
