According to the latest reports from Portuguese media outlet Sport as cited by Manchester Evening News, Manchester City have handed Benfica’s young sensation Joao Felix a dream contract to lure him to Etihad in the summer. The 19-year-old managed 20 goals and 11 assists in his breakthrough season at the club where he helped his side beat Porto to the title.
It is believed that City have offered him a chance to earn €30m over five years if he signs for them. Benfica’s president, Luís Filipe Vieira, is said to be resigned about losing their star player in the summer with the kind of money which is being thrown around. Reports mention that the next week could be crucial in Felix’s future.
It remains to be seen whether City would be able to strike a deal with the player and the club. Felix recently made his national team debut as well, and he has climbed the ladders of glory in the past year.
Does City need someone like Felix?
The Citizens are packed with attacking talents at their disposal, and we have seen the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane struggle for game time at the club. At any other club in the Premier League, they will make it to the first team regularly, and that in itself shows the talent and depth this City side has at their disposal.
Felix however, is more of a secondary striker who can turn out as a no. Ten as well. We feel that Pep Guardiola might use him as a false 9 in the future if he manages to sign the Portuguese talent.
Sergio Aguero might still be scoring plenty of goals, but the club would want to have a long term attacking option to sort out their future. Felix is considered as once in a generation talent, and when a player like him can be signed, then City should go ahead and get this deal done in the summer.
What will he add to the squad?
The Portuguese player has a flair to his game, and he is rapid and has impressive close control. He can go past defenders with ease and his vision and decision making in the final third is what makes him a stand out option. Often young players are naive and indecisive in and around the box, but Felix already seems like a smart finisher and provider.
The 19-year-old is still physically undeveloped, so he might take some time to get used to the physicality of the league. However, despite all this, he is one of the most sought after young players in world football right now.
