Before Joao Félix completed a loan transfer to Barcelona on deadline day, Manchester United was given the chance to sign him.
Paulo Talks out
Paulo Futre, a former Atlético winger, asserted as much in an interview with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero. According to Futre, the 23-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was the one to let him know that he had discussions about a transfer with Manchester United.
The 57-year-old Portuguese, who has an excellent history with the super-agent, was obviously not happy that Mendes had let Felix openly express his desire to sign with Barcelona back in July.
Futre claims Mendes told him he had no part in the international player’s criticism of the Catalan club and that he had sought to have him placed with other teams, notably Manchester United.
Confusion All Around
“When João said he dreamed of playing for Barça, I began to live a nightmare that lasts to this day. I called him [Mendes] and told him that the statements that João had made were his doing, and he said no,” he said.
“We argued on the phone, and he told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I verified what he told me because I have friends, and it was true. Later, he had spoken with Manchester City; I also checked, and they didn’t want João either.
“What happened between João and Cholo [Diego Simeone] happens every day in football. It’s something normal. What is not normal is that phenomenal coaches knew that João was a genius; he entered their game system, but nobody wanted him.”
“Neither Arteta, nor Guardiola, nor Klopp, any club… My question is, why? The only team that has wanted him has been Aston Villa. João said no when there was an agreement between Atleti and Aston Villa at the beginning of July.”
Manchester United Miss Golden Opportunity
The former Atlético player was able to confirm that Mendes had discussions with Erik ten Hag’s team about a transfer for Felix, but Manchester United, like other prominent Premier League teams, were against this transaction.
Felix scored four goals in 20 appearances while on loan at Chelsea during the second part of the previous season. In four appearances for Barca, he managed three goals and two assists.
