Back to Chelsea? Romano announces Joao Felix transfer decision

Tom Weber

Updated: 16 Mar 2025 05:14 CDT
3 min read

AC Milan have no intention to sign Joao Felix permanently from Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Portugal international's fall from grace continues. Felix emerged as one of Europe's biggest talents at Benfica, but since leaving Lisbon, it has been almost exclusively downhill for him.

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A record transfer to Atletico Madrid did not work out. Loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona did not work out - despite the occasional signs of promise - nor did a permanent move to Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, it was quite predictable that Felix would not succeed at Chelsea after his €52 million move last summer. The Blues quite simply did not need him and only signed him so that Atletico Madrid could acquire Conor Gallagher and help the Blues raise 'pure profit.'

In January, he was sent out on loan to AC Milan and again flattered to deceive. Felix scored on his debut and looked good in his second game, giving rise to speculation that the Rossoneri were already thinking about signing him permanently.

Milan won't sign Felix

However, Felix has since been a huge disappointment. Repeatedly criticised by the Italian press for his performances, the 25-year-old has struggled to help Milan get out of their rut.

It has been a hugely unsuccessful season at the San Siro and a major reckoning is coming this summer. Head coach Sergio Conceicao is expected to leave, while the Rossoneri will also make some changes at the executive level. A new sporting director is expected to arrive.

As for Felix, he is unlikely to continue at Milan. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A giants have no intention to sit down with Chelsea and negotiate a permanent deal for the attacker as things stand.

Romano states that this decision is not yet final due to the uncertainty surrounding Conceicao and the sporting director role, but it seems unlikely that Milan will change their stance.

Felix will return to Chelsea in the summer and face an uncertain future. It is not yet clear if Felix will stay at Chelsea, go out on loan again or be sold altogether, Romano reports.