KEY POINTS

  • Joao Felix joined Atletico Madrid in 2019
  • Felix netted 10 goals for Atletico in the last two seasons
  • Manchester United are yet to score a goal in the ongoing campaign

Atletico Madrid have rejected Manchester United's $132 million bid for Joao Felix in the ongoing summer window.

Atletico Madrid have made it clear they will not sell Felix, who is one of the key players of the Diego Simeone squad and still has a contract until 2026, reported Spanish outlet Diario AS. In addition, Felix's contract has a massive release clause of around $356 million and so, the La Liga side is certainly under no threat of losing the talented Portuguese forward.

The 22-year-old netted 10 goals in each of the last two seasons for Atletico Madrid. In the 2020-21 campaign, Felix scored seven goals and provided six assists and had played a vital role in his side's La Liga triumph.

Felix moved from Benfica to Atletico in the 2019 summer at a fee of around $128 million, becoming the fourth most expensive player in the history of soccer.

Even though Felix has several compatriots at Manchester United, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot, he said earlier this year that it was "good to play against your friends."

"It is very good to play against your friends. It is always fun like we are playing in the garden. With Bruno [Fernandes], we exchanged messages when the draw was made. Bruno is a very, very good player. It is very easy to play with him. When he has the ball, he always chooses the best option, to give you a chance to score. That is why he gets a lot of assists," Felix told The Athletic.

Joao Felix
Joao Felix of Club Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Valencia CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Mestalla on November 07, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Manchester United's new boss Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his attacking department before the close of the 2022 summer window on Sept. 1. The Red Devils have had a poor start to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, losing both their opening games. Manchester United lost 2-1 to Brighton – the sole goal in their account was actually an own goal from the Seagulls.

Ten Hag and team then traveled to Brentford only to be humiliated 4-0 at Gtech Community Stadium. The former Premier League champions are yet to score a goal this season.

Manchester United have a big game coming up as they are scheduled to host Liverpool on Aug. 22. Last season, Jurgen Klopp's Reds thrashed Manchester United 9-0 across two legs in the Premier League, including a 5-0 thumping at Old Trafford.