It's a trap! Why Chelsea should avoid making permanent Felix transfer

Suraj Radia

• 6 Mar 2023 17:27 GMT
• 2 min read

Joao Felix has admitted he would be open to a permanent switch to Chelsea but the Blues should proceed with caution if they do consider splashing out on the Atletico Madrid loanee.

Felix has become an integral part of Chelsea’s team since signing on loan in January, starting every game except for the three he was suspended for after being sent off on his debut.

The 23-year-old is still believed to have no future at Atletico Madrid and, while there is no option for a permanent deal in the loan, the La Liga outfit would be open to selling him, although they would need to lower their reported €100 million asking price.

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Speaking about a potential permanent move, Felix said: “I think the future, no one knows. Now I am just focused on tomorrow’s game. After that, we don’t know what will happen. The club is so big, it’s amazing, everyone behind the club is so good so I am happy to be here.

“I think I needed it (the loan). When I left Atletico, I thought it was good for me and for them. So I think it was the perfect deal to try something different.

“I always tried to do my best and sometimes it didn’t work. So I had to change to see if things go different. I think this loan is important for me and I am very happy to play here.

Felix not the answer to Chelsea’s woes

Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leeds in their most recent game was just the fifth goal they have scored in 2023 across 12 games and, while the Blues have looked more threatening with Felix, they have still struggled to find the back of the net, with the Portuguese international netting just once in five games.

Graham Potter has insisted the blame for Chelsea’s poor goal return lies with him and the team as a collective, however Felix has never been considered a prolific goalscorer and has failed to score more than eight league goals in a season during his time at Atletico.

Chelsea are inundated with talented attackers who without a goalscoring touch, such as Kai Havertz, who has netted just five times in the league despite playing most the season as a striker.

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With Christopher Nkunku set to arrive from RB Leipzig in the summer, Chelsea would do better in prioritising their resources to sign another forward to compliment him instead of a player like Felix, who often fulfils a similar role to the Frenchman.

The temptation to move for Felix may be strong given his profile and desire to play for Chelsea but the club need to resist their trigger-happy approach and look towards the right signings instead of paying big money for another square peg in a round hole.