Chelsea are reportedly considering another loan deal for Joao Felix, rather than spending almost £100m on the Portugal forward. Felix has shown glimpses of his potential since arriving at Stamford Bridge on loan from Atletico Madrid in January, but has struggled to contribute regular goals and assists. Chelsea believe there is more to come from Felix, 23, and are interested in signing him on a permanent transfer this summer. However, the Blues are not enthused about the prospect of meeting Atletico Madrid’s 100m euros valuation and could therefore enquire about signing him on a season-long loan instead.
Atletico could be open to loaning out Felix in the hope his valuation grows even more with another season under his belt, but they may also try to sell him to another club, with Manchester United considering a move. Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his attacking options at the end of the season and is said to be an admirer of Felix, who has scored two goals in 10 league games for Chelsea.
Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has urged the Red Devils to launch a move for Felix, telling Football Insider: ‘I really like what he’s done so far at Chelsea. I’ve seen a different side to him. At Atletico Madrid, he was playing too deep and wasn’t suited to how they play. At Chelsea, you see him getting on the ball, twisting past players – and he’s got a bit of pace as well. I really like him, but he’s got to be more clinical. I don’t see any reason why Manchester United can’t get him. They need options if they’re back in the Champions League next season. Joao Felix, for me, would be a good signing for them.’
Meanwhile, ex-England defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea should sign Felix on a permanent deal and block Man United from the ‘game-changing’ signing. ‘He’s certainly won me over more in the last few games,’ the former Blues and Liverpool star told Betfred. ‘He showed against Liverpool that he’s clearly a class player and normally I don’t like to see clubs go all-out to sign one player, but João is a gamechanger. He’s got eyes in the back of his head and he’s a proper, proper footballer. The need to sign him will be even greater if one of the club’s main rivals came in for him. I don’t like to see clubs break the bank for players and you should only do that if the player is going to be the last piece of the puzzle, but Chelsea’s team are miles away from that. In that sense, Joao is probably a luxury they don’t need, but as he’s currently at the club on loan and they have the opportunity to sign him, then they should do what they need to do to keep him, especially if a Premier League rival such as Manchester United come in for him.’