The Champions League

Joao Felix: Atletico Madrid reject €135 million offer from Man Utd

Atletico Madrid have rejected a bid of €135 million from Manchester United for Joao Felix, according to Marca.

Man Utd made their bid on the 31st of July after a friendly tie between the two teams. Club president Miguel Angel Gil Marin rejected the proposal from the English club.

The club has clarified that the Portugal international is not for sale. Felix has a €350 million release clause in his contract with the club.

Any club that wants the player might have to trigger that clause.

The €135 million offer from Man Utd exceeds the €121 million Atletico paid for the player in 2019 after only one season with the Benfica senior setup.

He would sign a long-term contract until 2026.

In his one season in the Primeira Liga, Felix scored 15 goals and created 12 big chances to lead Benfica to the title. That season, he scored three UEFA Europa League goals and assisted one.

His transition to Spanish football has not been smooth. Felix has struggled to earn Diego Simeone’s trust. The Argentine coach prefers his hardworking/defensively aware forwards to the silky Felix.

Felix would also suffer some injuries that hindered his progress and consistency. The 22-year-old has only been able to show glimpses of his enormous talent since the big move.

However, the club, especially the president who made a big bet to sign him, believes he will come good.

Felix, to his credit, has started the new season on fire. He provided a hattrick of assists as Atletico opened their La Liga campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Getafe.

Man Utd will have to look elsewhere for their new forward. The club has failed with moves for Antony and Marko Arnautovic. Brief target Benjamin Sesko has agreed to join RB Leipzig.

It is unclear what Erik Ten Hag and United will do next, but they need to act quickly.

United must bring in a forward or two this window, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo pushing to leave.

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