Mourinho eyes AMBITIOUS move for Chelsea star

Cameron Smith

17 Jan 2025 11:00 GMT
3 min read

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing an ambitious loan move for Chelsea outcast Joao Felix before the January transfer window closes.

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Felix, 25, secured a permanent move to Stamford Bridge in August, with Enzo Maresca’s side forking out €52 million to sign him from Atletico Madrid.

However, the Portugal international has only started three Premier League matches since his arrival at Chelsea amid significant competition from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku.

Felix has registered seven goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions so far this season, but he is unlikely to displace Palmer in Maresca’s preferred starting XI and rumours of an early exit have started to circulate.

In fact, Mourinho has already spoken directly to Felix to gauge the possibility of a January deal, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The Fenerbahce boss is eager to sign Felix on loan until the end of the campaign as his side looks to close the gap to league leaders Galatasaray in the Turkish top flight.

What has Joao Felix said?

Felix is yet to respond to Fenerbahce’s reported interest, but he has previously hinted that he won’t push to leave Chelsea in 2025.

In late October, he told reporters: “I spoke with Enzo [Maresca]. I like the way he thinks of football and plays football. I liked what he said and I knew competition [for places] would be hard, but I am here to work.

“I know what I can do and how I can help the team. You never see me stopping working to follow my dreams. I am here to play, of course, and it is just a matter of time.”

However, Felix is yet to break into Chelsea’s regular starting XI in the Premier League and he has been an unused substitute in eight of the club’s last 16 league matches.