‘Chelsea hear nothing from AC Milan amid new Joao Felix rumours’
Chelsea have not been informed of AC Milan’s intentions towards the permanent signing of Joao Felix.
Ever since bursting onto the scene at Benfica when he became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt, Felix has struggled to find a long-term home.
His £112million transfer to Atletico Madrid placed Felix as the fourth most expensive footballer ever at the time [Guardian], but with the move came such big expectations for someone so early in their career.
Coupled with the complexities of playing under coach Diego Simeone in a very structured and defensive system, it’s no wonder he was unable to adapt to life in Spain.
Felix’s free-flowing style was a complete contrast to the expectations at Atletico, but it was enough to earn him moves to top European side’s Chelsea and Barcelona, with AC Milan the latest team to attempt to revitalise his talent.
AC Milan set to send Felix back to Chelsea
According to the Daily Mail, Italian sources say Milan have already decided against signing Felix on a permanent basis this summer when his loan from Chelsea expires, yet confirmation of the decision is yet to be communicated to the Premier League club, though they have heard the “rumours”.
The 25-year-old’s contract with Milan runs until 30 June, 2025 but Chelsea have included a clause which could see Felix return for the start of this summer’s Club World Cup.
The news comes after Felix has managed just 477 minutes across eight games for the Italian side, contributing just one assist.
Felix faces an uphill battle to work his way into the Chelsea starting eleven
Football Insider verdict
Felix’s best position is just behind the striker, receiving the ball between the lines in an attempt to create chances and score goals.
However, one area of the pitch which is perhaps the strongest for Enzo Maresca is attacking midfield.
Despite Cole Palmer’s poor run of form since the turn of the year, the England international has established himself as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack and irreplaceable under the new coach.
Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez are also capable of filling in that position, with the latter deputising well in the role earlier in the season.
| Felix stats at Chelsea 24/25 | Felix stats at AC Milan 24/25 |
| Games – 12 | Games – 8 |
| Minutes – 363′ | Minutes – 477′ |
| Goals – 1 | Goals – 0 |
| Assists – 1 | Assists – 1 |
Competition for places has never been so difficult at Chelsea, therefore it seems a permanent transfer away from West London is most likely.
Considering the little impact and minutes he has played thus far under Sergio Conceicao, Felix would return to Chelsea with the view to moving club for the seventh time in his early career.