According to the latest reports from the Mirror, Manchester City are willing to sign Benfica’s forward Joao Felix and loan him back for another year to Benfica in bid to beat their rivals to his signature. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are said to be interested in this young sensation, but this clever ploy can end up paying rich dividends for the Citizens.
It is being said that Pep Guardiola is satisfied with the strike option he has at the club, and his transfer plans don’t include signing a new forward this summer. Sergio Aguero might have reached his thirties, but he is still firing on all cylinders for the treble winners. Gabriel Jesus is a terrific backup option to have, and even Raheem Sterling can play in a central role up front if required.
Benfica’s president, Luis Filipe Vieira, revealed that Felix had received an offer of £105,000-a-week to join a Premier League club. Atletico Madrid are said to be keen to add him as well, and they are giving assurance to the player that he will be given first-team opportunities in Spain itself.
Do the club need someone like Felix?
Guardiola himself has reportedly made it clear; he isn’t keen to sign a forward this summer. Felix is a secondary striker who can play down the right flank as well as an attacking midfielder.
City are loaded with attacking talent in their arsenal and players like Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane sit on the bench whereas for most of the other Premier League clubs those would be top players for their side. That in itself shows the depth and quality of the Premier League holders.
Why should Pep still go for him?
Felix is being touted as once in a generation talent, and he enjoyed a terrific campaign last season where the Portuguese international scored 20 goals and provided with 11 assists. There is no doubt that he can improve further from here onwards.
The 19-year-old is a livewire in the attacking third, and he always looks to make something happen. Blessed with decent pace and dribbling skills, he can go past defenders with ease. However, what makes him unique is his ability to affect play in the final third. He might take some time to settle in the Premier League, but with age on his side, he can be a future superstar of the game. Guardiola is definitely right in trying to lure him by sending him to Benfica again on a season-long loan.
