Manchester United reportedly had a €130m bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix.
It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag has targeted forward signings this summer – including Eredivisie duo Antony and Cody Gakpo – but Felix is not a player I expected us to approach this summer.
Purely because of the cost and the unlikelihood of Felix leaving Atleti for a side that is playing Europa League.
However, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future still up in the air, United are looking at younger options in the transfer market and they’ve reportedly stepped up their interest in Felix.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, United submitted a €130 million bid for Felix, but it was swiftly rejected as Atleti would demand to see his release clause (€350m) triggered to permit his sale.
Felix is one of Atleti’s most important players and signing him before deadline day won’t be easy.
It will take a substantial offer from United to find an agreement with Atleti. Then, we would face an obstacle to convince the player to join without Champions League.
I just can’t see Felix joining United this summer.