Joao Felix has provided a strong indication about his future at Chelsea by expressing his adoration for playing with the club.
The Portuguese international is set to go back to Atletico Madrid in the upcoming summer, and there have been rumors linking Chelsea to a potential second loan offer for his services. Atletico is reportedly demanding €100 million (£86m/$107m) for a permanent transfer.
However, Felix’s recent comments imply a fondness for his time at Chelsea, suggesting that he may be open to continuing his journey with the Blues.
Speaking in a Chelsea team video posted on social media, Felix said:
“I don’t know yet my future, but these four or five months, I’ve loved it. It’s a top club. Everyone in the club was very good to me. My teammates, unbelievable. I really like to be here.”
One thing that does seem to be clear is that Felix doesn’t want to return to Atleti unless manager Diego Simeone departs.
See video below:
🚨🗣️ Joao Felix on his Chelsea future
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) May 23, 2023
“I don’t know yet on my future, but these four/five months I love it”
“I would really like to be here” #CFC pic.twitter.com/sqTcTVvvQ4
Felix’s possible return to Atletico
El Mundo Deportivo in Spain claim playing under Simeone is ‘not negotiable’ with the pair falling out four seasons into his staggering £112m move from Benfica, which keeps him as the fourth most expensive player of all time.
That was despite him only having a little more than half a season of senior football under his belt, showing just how big an asset to Atletico the player is.
But with no one looking interested in paying anywhere near his £87m asking price, another loan to Chelsea appears to be the most likely scenario, according to Mundo Deportivo.
While Chelsea have struggled this season, Felix has made 11 starts in the league since arriving in January and has scored four goals.
The Blues are planning for the summer and are set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager; it remains to be seen how the Argentine views Felix.
Felix will have to make a decision over his future, with Newcastle, who have secured qualification to the Champions League, linked with a potential swoop
Chelsea to sign Felix permanently
Sports Brief previously reported that Chelsea could sign Felix in a player-swap deal.
Felix was a mainstay figure during Graham Potter’s stint at the club but has played a less prominent role since the arrival of Frank Lampard, who took charge as the caretaker boss after Potter was sacked.
Recent reports from the Evening Standard suggest Chelsea are keen to have Felix continue at the club beyond this summer.