For those following the Portuguese Primeira Liga or betting through betway.com.ng, the name Joao Felix may seem familiar: the Portuguese wonder kid, currently playing for Benfica as a striker, has made a name for himself by scoring several important goals for his club after being promoted to the first team. Soon, in turn, his name might become even better known for football fans around the world: the young player is targeted by many major international clubs that would like to see him strengthening their ranks.
Joao Felix in a nutshell
Felix joined the youth academy of FC Porto in 2008, after spending a year developing his skills with Os Pestinhas. He was released from Porto due to his slight frame after seven years – after spending a year with the Second Division club Padroense, he joined Benfica in 2015. In 2016, at the age of 16, he was promoted to Benfica’s B team, starting his senior career as a substitute in a goalless draw against Freamunde, becoming the youngest player to do so. Starting the 2018-2019 season, he was promoted to the first team – and he stood his ground: during the season, he scored 15 league goals that put him in the spotlight for many talent scouts, especially since he became the second-best teenage player for goals and assists in Europe’s seven best leagues.
Benfica considered Felix one of the best youth players it had. He was likened to players like former Benfica midfielder Rui Costa, one of the best in the world, Brazilian player Kaká, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The hunt for Felix begins
According to various reports, Felix has become a target for many major international clubs, including Real Madrid, and Manchester United. For now, it is said that Manchester City is leading the bidding war with a 106 million UK pounds (more than N41 billion) offer on the table. Reports say that Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s football coach, sees Felix as a prime target. Felix wouldn’t be the first high-profile player signed by City from Benfica: City midfielder Bernardo Silva and goalkeeper Ederson Moraes are both former Águias players.
The most expensive transfer of the year (so far)
If City pays this much for Felix, it would become the most expensive football transfer of the year so far. In 2019, we’ve seen three high-profile transfers already: American player Christian Pulisic left Borussia Dortmund for Chelsea for 64 million euros, Dutch player Frenkie de Jong left Ajax for Barcelona for 75 million euros, and French player Lucas Hernandez transferred from Atlético Madrid to Bayern Munich for 80 million euros this year. But let’s not forget, the bidding war for Felix has just begun…
