Manchester United had declined to take up an opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, and now his future has been decided.
The Athletic report Chelsea have agreed to pay the loan fee for Felix, which has been set at £9.68 million, 11 million Euros.
Joao Felix was the wrong choice for United
Joao Felix is a very talented player who just did not fit in with Manchester United’s current system. The Mirror had reported at the weekend that Atletico had reached out to United over a deal.
It’s unclear, still, after all these years at Atletico Madrid, just what Felix’s best position is.
United have a specific need for a number nine, and Felix doesn’t fit the bill.
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Felix’s spell at Chelsea may change some perceptions of him. It’s a chance for him to escape Diego Simeone’s defensive brand of football which has stunted his development.
And it would be just typical if he stars for Chelsea against Manchester United, but that won’t necessarily make Erik ten Hag’s decision to pass on a deal, the wrong one.
Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table and FA Cup hammering by City gives this the perspective of a desperate move.
It could be an inspired one, but it’s a gamble. It’s a risk Manchester United just didn’t need to take right now, so long as another better-suited striker is brought in.