Chelsea have sold more than anyone in 2025, and one player they let go in the summer has been singled out by Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio.
The year is almost at an end. After Bournemouth, all attention will turn to the opening of the transfer window.
The Blues would do well to offload some out-of-favour stars for similar value to what they recouped in the summer.
One such sale was Joao Felix, who Chelsea sold to Al Nassr for £43 million. He’s the player Marchisio brought up in an end-of-year recap.
Joao Felix celebrates scoring during Chelsea v Morecambe - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Claudio Marchisio names Joao Felix most disappointing player in 2025
Marchisio sat down to look back over the past 12 months of football, specifically in Serie A.
Felix was sent out on loan to AC Milan for the second half of last season after failing to impress during his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
While in Italy, he failed to impress. So much so that he was given the undesirable award of most disappointing in the Serie A by one of the recent greats of Juventus.
He scored just three goals in 21 appearances for La Rossoneri before returning to London temporarily. Many expected Felix to thrive in a less physical league, but he failed to make much of an impact.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, though, it has been a different story.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
Kobbie Mainoo
Mike Maignan
Marc Guehi
Todd Boehly and Paul Winstanley during Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
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Joao Felix is thriving at Al Nassr
Felix sent Al Nassr through to a cup final with his first goal for his new side, and has continued in a similar vein in the league.
He has 12 goals in 10 appearances, playing alongside national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. His efforts have helped his side to the top of the standings.
Joao Felix playing for Al Nassr
Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images
While Felix’s Chelsea career was frustrating to witness, it’s great to see the 26-year-old back to his best.
A move back to Europe can’t be ruled out, but Chelsea won’t be giving it a second’s thought.
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