Joao Felix has demanded an exit from Atletico Madrid this January – opening a move to Manchester United and free agent Cristiano Ronaldo to potentially replace him.
Felix, 23, has started just five of Atleti’s 14 La Liga matches this campaign and has fallen out of favour entirely despite finding the net four times in his limited game-time. United have already been linked with a move for the former Benfica ace.
His Portugal international teammate Ronaldo ended his relationship with United by mutual consent this week, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. He is now on the lookout for a new club, and Atleti may suddenly find themselves a major contender for his signature.
Multiple clubs have already distanced themselves from signing Ronaldo including Real Madrid – for whom he is their all-time club record goalscorer. His mother's club Sporting Lisbon have also played down an approach, where Ronaldo began his career, from making a move while Bayern Munich poured cold water on speculation.
Atletico have emerged as a surprise viable destination for the striker, despite their fans protesting this summer against the possible signing. It is understood that he is the dream signing of boss Simeone, who would be prepared to look past reservations from elsewhere to pursue a move for the 37-year-old.
A move for Ronaldo would share similarities with the club signing Luis Suarez – the Uruguayan joined from Barcelona in 2020 and subsequently fired Simeone's side to the league title in his debut season. Ronaldo’s mentality and leadership skills are thought to be highly valued by the Atleti boss.
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Simeone recently rejected suggestions of signing Ronaldo but did so on the basis of his past with Real Madrid, which has not hindered the club from signing players formerly of their city rivals such as Marcos Llorente and Sergio Reguilon in recent times.
A report in Marca has now outlined how Felix has made the demand of his agent to find him a new club in the January transfer window. It is said that United are one of the few clubs who are a possible destination for the talented Portuguese forward, with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea other alternatives.
Ronaldo’s exit has heightened United’s need to sign a forward in January with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford the only recognised senior strikers in Erik ten Hag’s squad. A proposed move for Felix – with Atleti compromised by needing funds in January, hastened by their early exit from European football – could prompt their former star Ronaldo into finding his new club.
