Former West Ham target Joao Felix is now being hunted by two major Premier League sides. West Ham were frustrated in their pursuit of Felix last summer and now Liverpool are interested.
According to Portuguese media outlet Correio da Manha, Liverpool are the latest club to enter the race for Benfica starlet Felix.
But will West Ham be left ruing their decision to not make Felix a priority signing last summer?
West Ham wanted Joao Felix
Felix was one of four Portuguese league stars on West Ham’s radar last summer, according to Sky Sports News.
West Ham representatives jetted out to Portugal to discuss several transfers but only managed to snap up Xande Silva from Vitoria Guimaraes.
Felix had only featured for Benfica B at that stage but West Ham held talks with Benfica over a possible deal.
This move never materialised and West Ham could be set for major disappointment if he joins another Premier League club in a big money deal.
Liverpool enter the race
Liverpool have seen a bid in excess of £61m rejected by Benfica for the Portugal under-21 star, according to Correio da Manha.
The Reds see Felix as one of the most talented young players in Europe and he could become a future star at Anfield.
Another Portuguese media outlet – Record – reports that Benfica have put a release clause of over £100m in Felix’s contract.
Liverpool would need a major bid to tempt him away from the Portuguese giants this January.
Joao Felix in 2018/19
Given Felix’s performances for Benfica in his debut season with the first-team, it is no surprise to see Liverpool interested.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has scored six goals and registered one assist in 18 games for Benfica.
Felix has the potential to reach the very top of the game and West Ham’s inability to get this deal over the line last summer is starting to look like a blunder.
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