Chelsea signs João Félix on short-term loan deal

João Félix has officially signed for Chelsea on loan. The Portugal international will, however, just be at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the current campaign. Chelsea snatched up Felix in a $11.8 million move, while also covering his salary during his time with the Premier League club. This brings the total cost of the […]

João Félix has officially signed for Chelsea on loan. The Portugal international will, however, just be at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the current campaign. Chelsea snatched up Felix in a $11.8 million move, while also covering his salary during his time with the Premier League club. This brings the total cost of the forward to just over $18 million for about five months on the pitch.

Upon making the switch to Chelsea, Felix spoke about the opportunity. “Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives,” said Felix. “I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge.”

Blues boss Graham Potter also talked about the impact of having Felix on his team. “He is a quality player, and he will make a difference in the final third of the pitch. He is young, but has really good experience. The signing gives everybody a lift,’ Potter told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

“He is a good age and he can play as a second striker between the lines and making a difference in the final third. We are looking forward to working with him.”

Injuries force Chelsea to grab João Félix on loan

Potter also acknowledged the fact that injuries in his squad may have propelled the move for Felix. “We have been aware of it for a while, these things do not happen quickly. Maybe the injuries have sharpened the focus a little bit. It is nice to get him here, get him training today and it is positive for us,” claimed the coach.

João Félix to Chelsea, here we go! Full verbal agreement reached, loan move on €11m fee with 100% salary covered by Chelsea. ???????? #CFC

Before leaving, JF will extend contract with Atléti until 2027.

João will fly to London in the next hours to undergo medical tests and sign. pic.twitter.com/F5aYKMgspa

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023

Félix’s long-term future still with Atletico Madrid?

Prior to signing for Chelsea, Felix extended his contract with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish giants previously paid about $135 million for Felix back in 2019. However, the Portuguese player hasn’t exactly fulfilled his potential in Spain just yet. Atleti manager Diego Simeone has even benched the star throughout the campaign. In fact, Felix has started just 10 out of a possible of 21 matches in LaLiga and Champions League play this season.

Nevertheless, the player has extended his contract, so he will return to Spain in June. Felix will be hoping to show Simeone and Atleti what they’re missing during his time in London. Rumors have also surfaced that Simeone could be out as Atleti manager this summer.

PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire