Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes believes Atletico Madrid’s style might not suit compatriot Joao Felix.
The Portuguese forward, 22, has failed to live up to his €120m price tag since moving to Atleti from Benfica in 2019.
Reports in Spain have claimed clubs including Arsenal are looking at signing Felix this summer.
Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Atletico Madrid for their Champions League last-16 first leg, Fernandes admitted Diego Simeone’s style might not suit a technical player like Felix.
“I don’t know what the problem is. What I know is he has unbelievable quality, he has huge potential and is still very young,” Fernandes said of Felix.
“So I think sometimes we forget the age of his players and at his age he is still in a phase of growth. When Atletico bought him, he had only played six months in the First Division of Portugal so that shows you the kind of quality he has because it is not just any club that would pay the money that Atletico did for him.
“We also know Atletico wasn’t the only club that was after him so they were really keen to get him as quickly as possible. Obviously then the qualities have to go along with the team itself and everyone knows what [Diego] Simeone asks you for, he likes aggressive players.
“We know that he [Joao Felix] is a very technical player, he can defend as well, I believe, I have played with him and I know he can do that. But I think he’s a player that needs to have a bit of freedom but I don’t know what is happening within the club so I can’t really comment on that.”
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