Ever since his ground-breaking £113 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2019, things have never quite clicked for former Benfica youngster Joao Felix. Now 25 years old and unable to break into the Chelsea starting lineup, further speculation is beginning to mount around his future at the club.
It is hard to deal with the expectation placed on one's shoulders after being transferred for such an extortionate fee, but Felix has not managed more than 10 goals in all competitions in any season since his breakout 20-goal eight-assist campaign in the Portuguese capital.
Five seasons in Spain, including one season on loan at Catalan giants Barcelona, never garnered more than 16 goal contributions. Although these numbers are not something to sniff at, it is fair to say that both Atletico and Barca would have expected more from the Portuguese international.
Felix has only made 12 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, notching a meagre return of just one goal and one assist. Unable to lock down either the number 10 role over Cole Palmer, or a position on either flank, it now seems that his £35 million transfer to Stamford Bridge has turned out to be a failure.
Thus, multiple teams appear to be lining up to acquire his mercurial talent before the closure of the January transfer window.
Current favourites
AC Milan – 2/1
The current favourites to land Felix are struggling Italian club AC Milan. Sergio Conceicao's side currently reside in sixth place in Serie A, having won only nine of their 21 games thus far, scoring only 32 times.
Former manager Paulo Fonseca was sacked in December with the club languishing in seventh place. Fonseca had been publicly critical of wide man Rafael Leao, and had also attempted to distance French defender Theo Hernandez from the squad.
The Portuguese winger has managed only four goals and four assists this season, which, although not terrible, falls well below the 15 goals and eight assists he managed in 2022/23.
Milan have not struggled for chances this season, generating 5.6 shots on target per match and the league's third highest xG of 36. It has been their conversion rate, however, that has let them down, with top scorers Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic only managing six goals each.
Considering their attackers' profligacy, a player able to create even more chances could be extremely useful. Felix's dribbling and crossing capabilities could prove crucial in a very defensive league, enabling Milan to more easily break down defences.
At 2/1, bookies certainly see Milan as the favourites to sign the Portuguese playmaker, and those odds could give punters a decent return if he does move to Italy.
Man United – 4/1
Another side eyeing a move for Felix are current Premier League strugglers Manchester United. With wide man Alejandro Garnacho looking set to leave the club amid interest from both Chelsea themselves and Napoli, Felix could act as swap deal leverage and go the other way.
However, something that may dissuade compatriot Ruben Amorim from taking a gamble on Felix is his inability to break into the Chelsea lineup. If currently 14th-place Man United want to be competing for the top four again any time soon, then they will have to be creating a squad better than that of their rivals, not just taking on their deadwood.
Although a move to Old Trafford could eventually materialise, this seems an unlikely place for Felix to move, especially considering the likelihood of the Red Devils missing out on European football next season. 4/1 odds could provide a good return on investment, but we would not count on this transfer happening.
Aston Villa – 8/1
A dark horse that could potentially acquire Felix's services, however, would be Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side had expressed their interest in the creative frontman throughout the summer transfer window, but felt that the sale of Jhon Duran and the inclusion of financially viable terms were critical for a deal to be met.
With Duran now likely to move to West Ham, and with Felix's market value having fallen dramatically due to his struggles at Stamford Bridge, a transfer may now be possible.
Bettors should seriously consider Villa as a viable option, as a late swoop could see the Portuguese international head to the Midlands.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
