Manchester United hoped to lure Joao Felix to Old Trafford this summer, but Atletico Madrid thwarted that attempt.
Manchester United had a €130m ($131m/£110m) offer for Joao Felix which Atletico Madrid rejected, so GOAL can confirm.
The figure may seem tempting to Atletico, who are used to having to sell their best players, but they consider the “significant offer” quite weak compared to the quality of the forward.
Atletico bought Felix for a record fee in 2019, and they feel the 22-year-old’s immense potential is not fully reflected in his approach The Red Devils.
As a result, the Atlético have explained their stance to Erik Ten Hag et al.
Why did Atletico turn down United’s offer for Felix?
There were many factors behind Atletico’s decision to turn down United’s offer of the Portugal star.
First of all, Atletico don’t want to disappoint their supporters by selling such a key asset, especially with the new Spanish La Liga season already underway.
Felix was superb as Diego Simeone’s men started the season with a 3-0 win against Getafe. He scored all three goals as Alvaro Morata scored twice and Antoine Griezmann netted his first league goal since late 2021.
Atletico also believe United are no longer seen as a glittering transfer destination – a factor that will help them convince Felix to stay.
More important, however, is the fact that Atletico will not pocket the entire fee United are offering. For one thing, accepting the offer means selling Felix for just €3 million more than they paid to buy him from Benfica.
Felix has three years left on the contract he signed when he moved from Portugal. The amortization – the amount of money they still owe Benfica or the bank from the original deal – will be around €64 million.
After deducting depreciation from United’s bid, Atletico would pocket around €66 million for him in real terms, making the deal less attractive to the club. The Rojiblancos.
How much did Atletico ask for Felix?
Atletico believe they will not be responsible for selling Felix at United’s stated price.
Atletico will consider the offer if it is around €250m, although it will need to find a club that matches the €350m release clause to make a deal happen.
Felix is expected to be an important part of the Atletico team this season. Injuries saw him make just 24 La Liga appearances last season, 11 of them as starterand he managed to score eight goals and make four assist.
United are eager to sign a new striker to strengthen the squad this season, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly asking to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
After bids for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic fell through, Erik ten Hag’s side continued to be linked with team-mates Felix, Morata and Matheus Cunha, as well as Ajax stars Antony and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic.
