Joao Felix was ‘close’ to West Ham move, now set to be valued at £107m

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In the summer, it was being reported that West Ham United were lining up a move for Benfica midfielder Joao Felix. Sky Sports reported that the Hammers were in talks with the Portuguese side over a move suggesting a deal was ‘believed to be close’ for the teenager.

At the time, not many knew of Felix. He had never played for the Benfica first-team and West Ham appeared to be taking a punt on a talented youngster.

In the end, West Ham did not get their man. Now, it seems they are missing out.

Felix has started the new campaign in sensational form for Benfica. The 18-year-old has been promoted to the Benfica first-team and has taken his chance with aplomb. He played his way into the starting XI with excellent substitute performances and scored twice in four games.

His form has, unfortunately, been checked by an ankle injury, but Benfica have seen enough. As reported by Record, Benfica want to put in a £107 million release clause in his contract. It is a typical deterrent from the Portuguese club, but the higher the clause, the higher the potential. It comes as the same paper reports a £17.5 million move from Monaco was rejected in the summer.

West Ham will no doubt have wished they pushed a deal over the line for the player before he started thriving in the Benfica first-team. Unfortunately, they just missed out.