OPINION
Manchester United should steer well clear of Benfica attacker Joao Felix after his asking price was revealed.
A report from the Express previously claimed that the 19-year-old striker was being pursued by United as they saw him as a serious target, and, speaking to TVI24, Benfica’s executive manager revealed that interested parties must be prepared to pay over £100million to secure the player this summer.
“The goal is to keep the squad,” said Domingos Soares de Oliveira.
“If someone hits €100m [£88m] for Felix, the intention is not to sell.
“€100million is a lot of money, there has never been a player sold for that amount in Portugal, but the goal is to win on the pitch and we will do everything in that direction.
‘Today, if they do not beat the €120m [£105m], the player stays.”
That is a ridiculous amount that United should not even consider. Even though they certainly have the money to throw at Benfica to complete the transfer this summer, it is one they should be looking to avoid.
The youngster was electric up front for Benfica last season, netting 20 goals and having a hand in 11 others in 43 appearances in all competitions.
And while it is young players United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to revitalise his squad ahead of the new season, Felix is not one he should be targeting.
Instead, players like Swansea’s Daniel James would be better investments. Coming from Portugal and arriving for such a hefty fee would put huge pressure on Felix’s shoulders to perform, and there is a real chance he would not settle at Old Trafford.
James, meanwhile, is already accustomed to the physical nature of English football – especially having featured in the Championship – and he would have no problems stepping up to the Premier League with United.
Overall, while Felix definitely looks like an exciting prospect and one to watch in the future, United should focus on investing in homegrown talent with just as much potential and who could settle that bit easier.