Joao Felix Eyes Old Trafford Move as Mendes Orchestrates Return to Elite Football

Joao Felix appears ready to quit Saudi Arabia and pursue a fresh challenge at Manchester United, with the Red Devils equally enthusiastic about securing the Portuguese talent, according to reports from Spain.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a productive spell with Al-Nassr following his summer arrival, delivering 21 goals and 15 assists across 37 matches this season while operating primarily as a second striker. His eye-catching statistics have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, where recruitment chiefs are weighing up a move.

Felix's journey to the Saudi Pro League came after two disappointing stints at Chelsea. He initially arrived at Stamford Bridge on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023 before the club opted to purchase him permanently in 2024. Neither spell yielded the impact expected from a player of his calibre, prompting Chelsea to cash in last summer. A loan spell at AC Milan during the second half of the previous campaign preceded his permanent move east.

Manchester United have identified a specific need in their squad architecture. According to the Spanish report, the club is searching for a player capable of bridging the gap between midfield and the attacking third—someone with proven maturity and leadership credentials who can function across multiple attacking roles.

Felix's flexibility would grant the coaching staff tactical scope, potentially unlocking the attacking dynamism that has eluded Manchester this season. The report suggests negotiations could accelerate in coming weeks as United prioritise their key signings ahead of preseason.

Jorge Mendes, Felix's representative, is understood to be acutely aware of the forward's escalating market value and is actively manoeuvring behind the scenes to facilitate his client's return to the game's highest echelons. The deal is progressing methodically rather than frantically, though with clear purpose—both parties recognise such opportunities rarely materialise twice.

Al-Nassr recognise retaining Felix beyond the summer would prove unrealistic and are prepared to negotiate, with valuations ranging between €50 and €60million (£52m). The player himself is reportedly enthusiastic about leading the attack for one of world football's most storied institutions, viewing this as the market opportunity unlikely to resurface.