João Félix is 25 years old. An age at which he imagined himself walking on the football planet after a thunderous debut at Benfica and a record transfer of €126 million to Atlético de Madrid. But the Portuguese international has had his ups and downs and has struggled to establish himself at the highest level. In the tough with the Colchoneros, where his relations with Diego Simeone became frosty, the Lusitanian footballer was able to count on his agent Jorge Mendes and his qualities and his potential to bounce back in the form of loan with European big names. Thus, he was sent to Chelsea in 2023 and to FC Barcelona last season.
He has not made an impression since his return
And if the native of Viseu hoped to continue in Catalonia, he was ultimately sent back to Madrid. After a summer preparation spent under the orders of El Cholo, he finally returned to Chelsea permanently. A rather surprising arrival since his first loan to the Blues had not really impressed across the Channel (4 goals in 20 appearances). In addition, the residents of Stamford Bridge were rather well supplied offensively before his signing until June 2031. But they did not hesitate to drop €52 million to give him a second chance.
And the player was determined to seize it, he who assured that he was in the right place. After words, it’s time to act. Since the start of this new exercise, João Félix has once again experienced ups and downs, a bit like his career. Thus, he alternates between a starting and replacement role under the orders of Enzo Maresca. In total, he participated in 16 matches in all competitions, including only 7 as a starter (786 minutes played since the start of the season, editor’s note). Regarding his stat line, he scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists.
His future is uncertain
And for A.S.who devoted an article to him this Wednesday, it is not enough. “For a footballer who was and is called upon to make a difference, and even for a big star, this has very little taste. The Portuguese alternates tenures and entries as a substitute without settling into Enzo Maresca’s starting team. He was involved in seven goals (…) João Félix has difficulty becoming an undisputed pillar for his coach if he does not stop alternating between starters and substitutes… or even absences. His appearances are irregular »
Subject to strong competition at Chelsea, notably with Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, João Félix still does not make an impression in London. A.S. reminds us that we expect more from a player, whose value has increased from €100 to €30 million in a few years, and who has become “a broken toy“. In England, some media such as GiveMeSport go a little further and reveal that a meeting is planned in the coming days between the player and his coach, aware that he will not agree to play a supporting role indefinitely. His departure is not ruled out by Chelsea, who expect to be asked for him. The transfer windows follow one another and are similar for João Félix.
