Joao Felix says 'YES' to Chelsea return - Fabrizio Romano

Suraj Radia

Updated: 12 Aug 2024 11:07 BST
3 min read

Joao Felix has agreed to re-join Chelsea in a stunning transfer that is ‘crucial’ to the future of Conor Gallagher, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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Chelsea’s rollercoaster summer has continued to start the week, with Enzo Maresca’s side now in talks with Atletico Madrid over bringing Felix back to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were in advanced negotiations to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico but that deal is understood to have collapsed due to a contractual issue.

However, Atletico’s €40 million move for Gallagher was seemingly dependent on selling Omorodion to Chelsea, leading to a deal for Felix being discussed instead.

Romano has revealed Felix has said ‘yes’ to Chelsea, with his agent Jorge Mendes already in London to negotiate terms, while The Telegraph understands that the 24-year-old has agreed to cut his salary to fit into the club’s wage structure.

It is believed Chelsea could land Felix for an initial fee of around €40m, with The Telegraph claiming a deal ‘may prove too favourable for them to turn down’.

© IMAGO - Joao Felix's transfer could have significant implications on the future of Conor Gallagher

Chelsea stars could leave upon Felix arrival

Atletico are hoping to push through Felix’s sale in order to confirm the signings of Gallagher and Julian Alvarez, who is having a medical ahead of a €80m transfer from Manchester City.

Aston Villa had been interested in signing Felix but a move to Chelsea could also put Raheem Sterling’s future in doubt, with Juventus exploring a deal to sign the England international.

Sterling’s wages of more than €300,000-per-week would prove the biggest obstacle for Juventus but there is a sense that the 29-year-old could still leave West London before the end of the month.

Felix’s arrival could also force Chelsea to listen to offers for Noni Madueke, however FootballTransfers understands the winger is ready to fight for his place at the club and any deal would have to be permanent or a loan with an obligation to buy, rather than an option.

Chelsea are also still keen on signing a striker even with Felix’s impending arrival and the focus could shift back to Victor Osimhen, with no expectation that a deal for Omorodion will be revived.

Osimhen is keen to leave Napoli this summer and the Italian side are hoping to sign Romelu Lukaku as a replacement – a combination which would benefit Chelsea as they look to trim down their bloated squad before the transfer window closes.