Aditya Bose
Manchester United spoke with Portuguese star Joao Felix over a potential summer move
According to the former Atletico Madrid winger Paulo Futre (Manchester Evening News), Joao Felix and Manchester United had some conversation in the summer over a potential move. It would have been great had he joined the Red Devils.
Felix eventually joined Barcelona, the club of his dreams on deadline day. It was very clear that he did not have a future under Diego Simeone, the Argentinian manager. The kind of system that Atletico deployed did not suit the Portuguese star.
Joao Felix has had a fantastic start at Barcelona, recording three goals and two assists in just five games. He has looked like a player born to play in Xavi Hernandez’s team and the attacking freedom is really helping him.
United fans are no strangers to seeing Portuguese players light up the Old Trafford with their performances. Cristiano Ronaldo has done it admirably in the past, especially in his first spell and captain Bruno Fernandes has been sensational in recent times. Felix could have been an addition to this illustrious list.
Speaking about Felix, Futre told the following to Cadena Ser:
“When Joao said he dreamed of playing for Barca, I began to live a nightmare that lasts to this day. I called him [Mendes] and told him that the statements that Joao had made were his doing and he said no.
“We argued on the phone and he told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I verified what he told me because I have friends and it was true.”
Felix moved to Atletico Madrid for £126 million in the summer of 2019 from Benfica, but the Portuguese international has had trouble settling in under Diego Simeone.
The 23-year-old later joined Chelsea on loan in January 2023 after falling out of favour at Atletico Madrid. He put on some impressive performances for Chelsea during their turbulent period under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
Even though Rasmus Hojlund was signed this summer, United’s attack has long lacked quality. A player as versatile as Felix would have brought a lot to the table.
Felix’s performances for Chelsea the previous season showed that he could adjust to the Premier League’s rigours. It is quite surprising that none of the main English league clubs made a serious effort to sign him, but then, he wanted to move to Barcelona.
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Despite having Hojlund, it is obvious that United need another attacker, especially in the absence of Jadon Sancho and Antony. Right now, it’s clear it’s not going to be Felix. There are other options though and it is up to the club to explore them.
