Manchester United are back in the hunt of a Champions League berth scripting six straight league wins under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær. But they need to rebuild the core clearing out the deadwood and make aggressive transfer moves to reclaim the lost throne.
Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, meanwhile, claimed Liverpool’s interest in Benfica’s 19-year-old Portuguese sensation Joao Felix. They further reported of a £60m bid for the teenager which, however, was turned down by his current employers. But the recent rumour (via Eurosport) of Manchester United’s inquiry has now refuelled the bidding war.
Dubbed as the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’, Felix is making significant strides for the senior side having impressed with the reserves. He has found the net four times so far in 10 Primeira Liga outings and is drawing attention for his swift skills, on and off the ball movements and link-up play while operating as a ‘number 10’.
The youngster has also showcased his excellence while operating down the flanks and is currently being deployed as a second striker. The versatility he provides is indeed a massive boost for any manager and the player, still in his teenage, could be moulded further in an effort to figure out his best possible position on the field.
Very rarely clubs come up with such hefty offers for a 19-year-old. But the growing impression of the Portugal U21 international implies a high-profile move is genuinely on the cards in the foreseeable future. Felix’s style of play is often compared to Rui Costa, the iconic midfield attacker, labelled as one of the pioneers of the new-age Portugal post-Eusebio era.
Despite the abundance of talent, a reported £105m release clause (as quoted by the Manchester Evening News) is higher than both Liverpool and Manchester United’s valuation. The player only signed a new deal in November, committing his future in Lisbon until summer 2023. Benfica, therefore, have a stronghold over their prized asset and it would be difficult to secure his services until the asking fee is reduced.
The greatest of names of the world football have enlightened the Theatre of Dreams over the years. But the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo remains unparalleled, and the supporters would love to have someone rated as highly as the iconic Portuguese in their ranks.
A clear-out is likely in the summer with multiple contracts set to expire, and the Red Devils must look to reconfigure themselves with interesting inclusions while undergoing the transition. A deal for Felix should not be written off this early even though it would be a massive gamble to break the bank for someone who is yet to prove his worth at the highest level.
