Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'remain interested in signing Joao Felix'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 March 2023

Manchester United could make an attempt to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a permanent basis this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United reportedly remain interested in Joao Felix despite deciding against moving for the Atletico Madrid attacker on loan during the January transfer window.

Following the breakdown of his relationship with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone, Felix left Wanda Metropolitano in the winter market, moving to Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

The Portugal international was sent off on his debut for the Blues against Fulham on January 12, which saw him miss the team's next three matches, but he has made a positive impression since, finding the back of the net against West Ham United and Everton in the Premier League.

There is no purchase option in Chelsea's loan agreement, meaning that, as it stands, Felix will return to his parent club this summer to prepare for the 2023-24 campaign.

However, the 23-year-old's long-term future in Madrid is in severe doubt despite the fact that he still has another four years left to run on his contract.

Chelsea's Joao Felix in action with West Ham United's Tomas Soucek on February 11, 2023 © Reuters

Man United are believed to have a long-term interest in Felix, with the Red Devils strongly linked with his services in 2019, when he moved to Atletico from Benfica.

Erik ten Hag's side ultimately decided against pursuing a loan move in January due to the cost of the deal, instead bringing in Wout Weghorst from Burnley.

However, the club will be in the market for a big-money forward this summer, and according to AS, Man United have already been in contact with Atletico to register their interest.

The Portuguese has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico in all competitions.

In the first half of this season, he managed four goals and three assists in 14 La Liga appearances for Simeone's side, while he represented his country at the 2022 World Cup.

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

Atletico are believed to be looking for around €100m (£88m) for Felix this summer, which would still make him a cheaper option than both Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea are said to be interested in signing the attacker on a permanent basis this summer, but they could find it difficult to tempt him to join on a long-term deal without Champions League football for next season.

Graham Potter's side are currently 10th in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but they would qualify for next season's Champions League by winning the 2022-23 European Cup.

Man United, meanwhile, are third in the division, three points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle United.

The Red Devils are yet to make firm plans for the summer window, though, as there is still uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club, with the Glazers in talks over a sale.