OFFICIAL: Chelsea complete Joao Felix transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Aug 2024 12:50 BST
• 3 min read

Breaking

Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Joao Felix.

The Blues have finally signed an Atletico Madrid player - but not the one they had initially wanted. Chelsea were chasing Samu Omorodion all summer and looked to be closing in on his signing at last in early August only for the transfer to collapse at the final hurdle.

They were then left scrambling to find a different option as Conor Gallagher was waiting to complete his move the other way, joining Atletico Madrid for €42 million.

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The different solution the two clubs settled on was Joao Felix, with Chelsea surprisingly showing themselves willing to re-sign their former loanee despite him failing to set the world alight during his six-month spell in 2022/23.

However, in the wake of Chelsea re-igniting their interest, it was revealed that the Blues bosses had already wanted to sign him permanently last summer, but the deal was vetoed by Mauricio Pochettino.

Now, they have managed to get their man at last, albeit not every Chelsea fan is delighted with this transfer.

"Chelsea is where he belongs. We are delighted to announce the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid," the Blues confirmed on X.

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Chelsea sign Felix and sell Gallagher

Chelsea have paid a sizable €50 million for Felix, who has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option for a further season. Given that the 24-year-old has struggled to consistently perform at a high level in recent years, it is a deal that will come under intense scrutiny.

Moreover, as mentioned, homegrown star and fan favourite Conor Gallagher has headed the other way - seemingly against his wish - to help Chelsea raise 'pure profit' and balance the books.

The midfielder was ordered back from Madrid when the Omorodion deal fell through and forced to train with the rest of Chelsea's outcasts away from the first team. This treatment rubbed many the wrong way and will only serve to increase the pressure on Felix.