Joao Felix, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Red Devils, Premier League
Liverpool should reconsider the idea of signing Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, according to former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Felix linked with Atletico exit
The Portuguese forward has been regarded as one of the best young attacking players in Europe, moving to Atletico from Benfica in 2019 in a £112.9m move and scoring 32 goals in 128 appearances for the La Liga giants.
Felix has been linked with a move away from his current club in the near future, though, with Manchester United among those thought to be eyeing him up.
Liverpool could also be in the conversation, with a recent report claiming as such.
The Latest: Liverpool urged to avoid Felix move
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie warned the Reds against signing Felix, who he feels would not be an upgrade on Jurgen Klopp’s current attacking options.
The 62-year-old said of the Portugal gem:
“Not for me. For the money that would be involved, his stats are not good enough.
“I do not see him as a Liverpool player. [Mohamed] Salah has been playing more centrally of late and it suits him. I think [Darwin] Nunez is a wonderful talent. He is going to be a top player there for a long time. You have to think that they also have [Luis] Diaz and [Diogo] Jota.
“I do not see where Felix would fit in. I’m not sure he would get a game at Liverpool.”
The Verdict: Slightly overrated?
Felix is undoubtedly a talented player, judging by his transfer fee and previous Golden Boy nomination, but there is a nagging feeling that he isn’t quite reaching his potential, which could mean that Liverpool would be best advised to avoid signing him.
A tally of 32 goals in 128 appearances for Atletico is not great for someone who cost just under £113m, while three goals in 23 caps for Portugal is also a forgettable return.
Roy Keane derided Felix as an ‘imposter‘ during Euro 2020, making his thoughts clear on him; and given the money that Liverpool would likely have to pay for the 23-year-old, they would be better off looking elsewhere.
It wouldn’t be a disaster if the Reds were to suddenly end up signing the Portugal international, but his stock has seemingly fallen compared to a few years ago and it would feel like a risky acquisition.
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