For many years, Chelsea has been known as one of the artificers of the transfer market. The London club, always eager to strengthen itself in the immediate future, but especially in the long term, does not hesitate to take out the checkbook to recruit the players that its board wants. In recent weeks, the Blues have been true to their reputation with several recruits already made. But there you have it, never satisfied, the residents of Stamford Bridge have been looking for a versatile striker for many weeks.
Anxious to get Conor Gallagher to leave, labelled undesirable by Enzo Maresca, the new London coach, Chelsea’s directors had only found Atlético de Madrid as a viable exit for the English midfielder. From then on, the prospect of recruiting a striker from the Colchoneros was imagined by both teams. Thus, the lead leading to Samu Omorodion had gained weight until it reached the medical examination stage. Finally, problems in tying up his contract forced the 20-year-old striker to return to the Iberian capital, thus putting Gallagher in danger and sending him in the opposite direction. This Monday, the English press finally announced that this deal was once again hopeful thanks to one man: João Félix.
João Félix to return to Chelsea until 2030
Recruited for 126 million euros in the summer of 2019 by the Matelassiers, the Portuguese prodigy never met Diego Simeone’s expectations. Since then, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder has quickly become a burden within the Madrid club, which has been trying to part ways with him for years. Loaned last season to FC Barcelona, Félix had an uneven season (10 goals, 6 assists, 44 matches) with Culés, who did not have the means to recruit him permanently. Therefore, the idea of this swap with Chelsea represented the ideal opportunity for everyone in Madrid. Already loaned to Stamford Bridge during the second half of the 2022-2023 season (4 goals in 20 matches), the Viseu native could be convinced by a return across the Channel.
The Athletic also reported on Monday that the deal is closed. Indeed, according to our English-speaking colleagues, João Félix will indeed join Chelsea for the next six seasons. According to the media, an additional optional year is included in this deal which should therefore allow Atlético de Madrid to welcome Conor Gallagher. A happy ending for everyone. João Félix will now have to finally launch his career. Since his big transfer to Atlético, the former Benfica star has not been able to demonstrate his enormous talent in the long term. Chelsea will need his great talent to achieve their goals in the Premier League this year.
