Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'in talks to sign Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 13 July 2023

Man United 'in talks to sign Joao Felix'

Manchester United reportedly reignite talks over a deal for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, who they came close to signing on loan in January before Chelsea swooped in.

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix over a possible move to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old's future is currently in limbo following an underwhelming loan spell with Chelsea, where he scored four goals in 20 games in the second half of the 2022-23 season.

Despite talk of a possible permanent deal, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino decided against welcoming Felix back to Old Trafford, and the Portugal international has since returned to Atletico.

However, the former Benfica man's relationship with Diego Simeone allegedly deteriorated last year, and there is little chance of him reigniting his Rojiblancos career with the Argentine still at the helm.

Atletico extended Felix's contract until 2027 just before he departed for Chelsea, but the Spanish giants are expected to let the attacker leave for the right price ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023 © Reuters

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique is thought to be keen to bring Felix to the Parc des Princes, and the striker is said to share the Spaniard's desire for a move to the French capital.

However, ABC claims that Man United have also reignited their interest in the 23-year-old, who was tipped to join the Red Devils in January before Chelsea swooped in.

Erik ten Hag's side are thought to be one of three Premier League clubs chasing Felix alongside Newcastle United and Aston Villa, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been credited with an interest.

The report adds that Atletico could opt to loan Felix out again rather than sell him this summer due to a decrease in his value, and a low-cost deal could work for Man United due to their restricted budget.

The Red Devils are working to bring in a new number nine this summer but have been left frustrated in their pursuits of several targets, namely Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on the bench on October 12, 2022 © Reuters

The England captain could walk away from Tottenham as a free agent next year, but Daniel Levy is holding out for at least £100m and is especially keen to avoid selling Kane to a Premier League rival.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli's Victor Osimhen will also prove too expensive, while there is yet to be a breakthrough in talks with Atalanta BC for Rasmus Hojlund.

Man United have already paid an initial £55m to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea this summer and remain in talks over a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, who could cost in the region of £50m.

Uncertainty surrounding the club's takeover situation is also hampering the Red Devils' transfer activity, meaning that Ten Hag could be forced to wait until 2024 before welcoming a new big-money marksman to the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo on Wednesday and are next in action against Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19.