Chelsea has finalized a significant transfer, securing the permanent signing of Portuguese forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old, who previously impressed during a loan spell at Stamford Bridge, has agreed to a six-year contract with the option for an additional 12 months.
The Athletic first reported Chelsea’s renewed interest in Felix last week, with negotiations between the Premier League club and their La Liga counterparts intensifying after the proposed transfer of Atletico striker Samu Omorodion to Chelsea fell through due to contractual issues. This setback cleared the way for Felix’s return to West London.
Felix is no stranger to Chelsea fans, having spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at the club. During that period, he made 20 appearances and found the back of the net four times. His brief stint at Stamford Bridge left a positive impression, paving the way for this permanent move.
Last season, Felix continued to showcase his talents on loan at Barcelona, where he registered 10 goals and six assists across 44 games. His performances in La Liga and Europe reinforced his reputation as one of the most promising forwards in the game.
Before his loan spell at Barcelona, Felix extended his contract with Atletico Madrid, a deal that now runs until June 2029. Felix initially joined Atletico from Benfica in the summer of 2019 for a staggering €126 million, making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history. Over four seasons with Atletico, he scored 34 goals in 131 appearances, contributing significantly to the club’s success.
On the international stage, Felix has been a regular fixture for Portugal, earning 41 caps and featuring in the European Championship. His experience and skill make him a valuable asset for Chelsea as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Felix’s signing marks Chelsea’s ninth acquisition of the summer, joining a host of other new faces at the club, including Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino, and Pedro Neto. The club’s ambitious transfer strategy reflects their determination to compete at the highest level in the upcoming Premier League season.
As Chelsea prepares for the new campaign, the arrival of Joao Felix is sure to excite fans and add firepower to their attacking lineup. His return to Stamford Bridge signals Chelsea’s intent to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors, both domestically and in Europe.
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