Joao Félix is Chelsea’s newest signing. The London club confirmed this on Wednesday afternoon through the official channels. The Portuguese is rented from Atlético Madrid, where he had a difficult relationship with trainer Diego Simeone. In 2019, the Spaniards paid 127 million euros to take over Félix from Benfica.
Graham Potter, manager of the Blues, recently announced that he would like to see offensive reinforcements come to Stamford Bridge. The arrival of Félix is the desired impulse for Chelsea, which is still ahead of more attackers in the market. For example, there would be interest in Noni Madueke from PSV and Marcus Thuram from Borussia Mönchengladbach is also high on the wish list. With Chelsea not having an option to buy on Félix, those options may come into play again in the summer.
The artist has arrived. ??
Welcome to Chelsea, João Felix!#HolaFelix pic.twitter.com/hVS7UuG6gT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 11, 2023
Félix made his wish to leave known to the Spanish club management before the World Cup. Ángel Gil Marín, Atlético’s general manager, indicated at the beginning of December that he hoped the Portuguese would stay. “Getting Félix was the biggest gamble the club has ever made. I think he’s a world player, but because of his relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… It would make sense to look at an option to leave if one arises. I would rather see it differently, but he wants to leave.”
Negotiations have gained momentum following Potter’s side’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup and recent injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic. Chelsea, which has already strengthened itself this winter with Benoît Badiashile (AS Monaco), David Datro Fofana (Molde FK) and Andrey Santon (Vasco da Gama), is currently in a disappointing tenth place in the Premier League and is already out of the FA Cup and the League Cup.