Transfer Centre

Joao Felix 'wants to make Chelsea move permanent'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 February 2023

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix reportedly wants to convert his loan move to Chelsea into a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix reportedly wants to secure a permanent move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international's relationship with Rojiblancos head coach Diego Simeone deteriorated earlier this season, leading to his mid-season switch to Stamford Bridge.

Felix's move to Chelsea was a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy, and he is therefore due to return to Atletico for the 2023-24 season.

The 23-year-old's contract at the Wanda Metropolitano was extended until 2027 prior to his loan to the Blues, but his long-term future is shrouded in uncertainty.

Current Atletico boss Simeone is being tipped to leave at the end of the season, but should the Argentine remain in his post, it is difficult to see Felix reigniting his career in the Spanish capital.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023 © Reuters

According to Fichajes, Felix is currently leaning towards a permanent move to Stamford Bridge, even though Atletico have no intention of parting ways with the striker.

The report states that Felix feels more comfortable in London than he does Madrid, and he has made it clear on numerous occasions that he is not on board with Simeone's plans.

Chelsea paid £11m to bring Felix to the club on loan from Atletico in January, and the Blues are believed to be considering a permanent move, although they will have to bow to the Rojiblancos' demands of an £80m fee.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese has hinted that he would be prepared to remain in the English capital, telling Eleven Sports: "The position I play, and the way we play at Chelsea is different to Atletico. Clearly I have more freedom to put my football into practice, to be at my best to help the team."

The former Benfica starlet experienced a nightmare debut for Chelsea in their West London derby with Fulham on January 12, receiving a straight red card in the 58th minute for a high challenge on Kenny Tete.

Chelsea's Joao Felix in action with West Ham United's Tomas Soucek on February 11, 2023 © Reuters

Since serving his three-game suspension, Felix has completed the full 90 minutes in each of Chelsea's last three games and opened his account for Graham Potter's side against West Ham United on February 11.

The 23-year-old - who cost Atletico £111m to sign from Benfica in 2019 - has recorded 34 goals and 18 assists in 131 outings for his parent club, playing a key role in their 2020-21 La Liga title triumph.

Chelsea will already be signing one new forward permanently this summer in the form of RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku, while David Datro Fofana joined in January to bolster Graham Potter's ranks.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen is also understood to be a prime target for the Blues, but the Partenopei have reportedly slapped a £107m asking price on the head of the Nigerian.

A spot for a new striker should open up if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes an expected move away from Chelsea this summer, with the Gabon international said to be one of five players up for sale ahead of the 2023-24 season.