Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer is preparing to add to his attacking armoury amidst an expected summer of turbulent transfer activity at Old Trafford, with a move for Benfica prodigy Joao Felix, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
Felix, 19, has been a revelation in his breakthrough season with Benfica, scoring 20 goals and registering 11 assists. The playmaker has, in the process, garnered plaudits likening the youngster to fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, owing to his dynamic, attacking play alongside his remarkable goalscoring output.
The Portuguese international is reported to have a £105m buy-out clause, yet this has not put United off in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest prospects, as Solsjkaer goes in search of players with both the ability and attitude to transform the Red Devils having fallen on particularly hard times; despite a brief resurgence under the Norwegian in 2018/19.
As questions marks continue to linger over the long-term futures of Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba, both signed for significant fees in hope of rejuvenating United’s attacking prospects, a move for Felix, whilst astronomically expensive, would move United’s transfer philosophy towards younger, hungrier prospects with a point to prove in the Premier League.
This outlook is mirrored in United’s reported pursuit of Swansea and Wales forward Daniel James, as the attitude problems of United’s star-studded squad continue to be scrutinised by the media, manager and internal sources throughout Old Trafford.
If United are to pursue Felix, they will be hopeful of acquiring the 19-year-old’s services at a fee lower than £105m, yet without the prospect of Champions League football in 2019/2020, Felix may be less enthusiastic about moving to Manchester than if the club had qualified for Europe’s premier club competition.
