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One of the three clubs reportedly in the mix to end Joao Felix’s nightmare at Atletico has made contact, with Man Utd getting the chance to complete a piece of four-year old unfinished business.
The Portuguese forward, 22, hit the headlines way back in 2019 when signing for Atletico Madrid. The £113m he cost was an eye-watering sum, though Atletico were able to fund such a move following Antoine Griezmann’s sale to Barcelona.
Fast forward four years and Griezmann is back at Atletico, while Felix is enduring something of a nightmare.
The tie was a vital one if Atletico are serious about qualifying for the knockout stages. Felix started the match from the bench, and despite being asked to warm up on three separate occasions, did not get the call from his manager.
Atletico went on to draw 0-0 and may yet drop into the Europa League as a result. In the aftermath, reports of Felix’s unhappiness boiling over have surfaced.
Indeed, last Friday’s Euro Paper Talk led the way when noting the relationship between Felix and Simeone has deteriorated.
Later, Marca claimed Felix has lost all faith in his manager and held urgent talks with his agent regarding a quick exit. Felix reportedly wants out as early as the January window.
Man Utd among three chasing Joao Felix
Now, a fresh report from Spanish outlet Sport has provided a comprehensive update on the forward’s situation.
Three suitors are named with one already making contact, while it’s claimed Atletico Madrid are also warming to the idea of a sale.
Firstly, it’s reported Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG are all in the mix.
The Red Devils tried to sign Felix back in 2019, though were beaten to the punch by Atletico. Four years on, Erik ten Hag has the chance to do what his predecessors couldn’t.
Bayern Munich explored the idea of signing Felix last summer. However, Felix’s situation in Spain was rosy at the time and Atletico refused to negotiate. It’s suggested their interest still remains despite going on to sign Sadio Mane.
However, the report claims it’s PSG who have made the first move, with the French giant ‘already in contact’ with the player’s entourage.
PSG are sizing up a winter window raid and that would suit Felix just fine. It’s noted he’s already asked to leave the club on at least three separate occasions.
His relationship with Simeone is described as ‘more complicated than ever’. The Argentine boss is seemingly of the belief there is a way back for Felix, though the player is having none of it.
January exit possible
What’s more, the club’s decision-makers may undercut Simeone. The report states ‘everything seems to indicate that they will not put any impediment to negotiate the sale of him’.
Atletico would prefer a summer sale, perhaps because it’ll give them more time to land a suitable replacement. However, the idea of a January sale ‘cannot be ruled out’.
Felix can operate in virtually any position in the forward line and his versatility would be adored by Erik ten Hag.
Whether United will emerge as a serious contender to end his Atletico nightmare remains to be seen. If Felix’s situation develops into a bidding war with PSG, United may opt to steer clear.
But with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future looking increasingly uncertain after his latest show of discontent, United will need a major name to fill the void sooner rather than later.
Felix is 15 years younger than his fellow Portuguese and his potential has never been in doubt.
He just needs someone to unlock it and the more free flowing system Ten Hag deploys compared to the pragmatic approach of Simeone could be just what he needs.