Manchester United have been handed a big boost in signing Joao Felix this winter following the recent comments from Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
Felix has had a difficult season with the Madrid giants. He has played just 818 minutes of first-team football. It is clear that his relationship with Simeone has deteriorated and the same was recently confirmed that Atletico CEO Gil Marin.
In the same interview, Marin disclosed that the Portuguese’s idea is to leave the club in the New Year and Simeone has now refused to rule out his January departure by saying that ‘no one is indispensable’ and ‘things will be as they have to be’.
Man Utd handed big boost in landing Felix
United have been admirers of the 23-year-old from his early days at Benfica. Last summer, they made an ambitious €130 million (£114m) bid for Felix but Atletico deemed him as indispensable under Simeone.
However, the scenario has completely changed with the player falling out with his manager. The Spanish giants are now prepared to allow his departure for a package of around €100m (£88m).
The Glazers could be reluctant to pay such a fee amid talk of a potential takeover, but a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the campaign could be a realistic prospect for United.
Atletico recently sanctioned Matheus Cunha’s loan move to Wolverhampton Wanderers with a buy clause. The Red Devils will be hoping to convince them with a similar kind of proposal.
Felix has averaged just 45 minutes per game at Atletico this term, but has still chipped in with four goals and three assists. He could excel playing up front under manager Erik ten Hag.
At Atletico, he has struggled to nail down a starting place while the playing style has not suited him. At United, he could have the chance to express himself with a regular role in the XI.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
