Joao Felix to stay at Chelsea? Transfer hinges on one ‘crucial’ factor

Robin Bairner

• 25 Apr 2023 21:30 BST
• 3 min read

The future of Chelsea attacker Joao Felix continues to hang in the balance with little more than a month of the Premier League season remaining.

Signed on loan from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, the Portugal international has had a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge, having arrived as a solution to the club’s scoring problems.

A return of two goals in 15 matches for Chelsea has been poor – he has missed more games due to suspension – but that does not mean that he does not have a future at the club.

REVEALED: Atletico concern over Joao Felix Chelsea transfe

Indeed, the Evening Standard reports that the 23-year-old could remain with the Blues next season. The could be either via a permanent transfer, though Chelsea are unlikely to agree to Atleti’s €100 million asking price, a figure they have not budged on, or via another loan deal.

It is also reported that the Spanish side could be drawn into negotiations over a transfer fee, with an €77m price thought to be acceptable to them. Felix’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), meanwhile, is €46m.

Both clubs are seeking ways to cut costs, so another temporary deal could suit both sides. Atletico Madrid want the player’s wages of around €300,000 per week off their books, and this figure would be paid by Chelsea in any loan agreement. Meanwhile, he would be a relatively low-cost option for the London side, who want to trim their squad.

MORE: A Haaland alternative? Real Madrid make shock move for Chelsea flop

Pochettino key to Felix’s future

It is increasingly apparent that Mauricio Pochettino, who is looking increasingly likely to be Chelsea’s next manager, is set to be pivotal in the future of the former Benfica prodigy.

According to the Standard: “The 51-year-old former Tottenham coach will advise on club business before his arrival in the summer.”

Despite the promise Joao Felix has shown, Chelsea fans would trade him for a goal-scoring forward.