Chelsea summer transfer window plans for Joao Felix are now going to come to light. The transfer maestro Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 25-year-old will be coming back to Stamford Bridge. After a frustrating loan to AC Milan, with Chelsea now looking to sell permanently or loan him again. This will be a pivotal point in Chelsea’s squad. They are bound to figure out ways to address their attacking issues and stay compliant within financial regulations.
Chelsea Summer with Felix: A Sailing Boat
Joao Felix’s brief six-month loan at AC Milan in January 2025 was nowhere near what he needed to revitalize his career. The striker was only able to record one goal and one assist in 19 appearances with demoted AC Milan. A stark contrast to his strong beginning to the season at Atlético Madrid and Barcelona . Since Milan opted not to exercise the buy option that came with his loan due to poor marketing. It now leaves Chelsea’s Summer with the same situation they had a loan ago. An overpaid player that has now become a surplus with a squad already cluttered with attacking talents.
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “I don't think since I've been here we've spent more money than other clubs, just the same money”.
“But we are building something important. People have to trust us. The club is working well, and hopefully in the future we can fight for important titles”. pic.twitter.com/N3GhNrToBr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2025
Felix’s return only adds to Chelsea’s struggles up front. Nicolas Jackson has ten Premier League goals this season. Yet Chelsea still ranks high in the league for wholesale missed big-chance opportunities (79 total), further evidence that talent is needed to turn missed big-chances into goals. With Christopher Nkunku under-performing and young aspirant Marc Guiu injured, Manager Enzo Maresca intends to concentrate on bringing in a proven No. 9 this summer. This makes it hard to see where Felix fits into these plans. Maresca is yet to see his convincing work rate or tactical suitability.
Chelsea Summer Transfer Window: An Overcrowded Train
Chelsea’s hierarchy will not be wanting to make the same money mistakes of the past. The club paid £45 million to bring Félix back from Atlético Madrid in 2024. But, with a wage of £200,000 per week and an absence of impact, he must be a problem for Chelsea. Romero has already reported that Chelsea will look for a permanent sale. Also, they know that could end-up sanctioning another loan if clubs fail to accept the price tag.
There are a number of clubs already interested:
Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s side picked up their interest in January. It is, however, still sits in talks regarding a loan with an option to buy. Moreover, Villa’s need for creativity offers a good fit with Félix, but the wages could be problematic.
Flamengo: The Brazilian giants are looking into a loan buy deal. But Félix’s wish is to remain in Europe get his career back on track.
🔴 𝗝𝗢𝗔̃𝗢 𝗙𝗘́𝗟𝗜𝗫 𝗩𝗘𝗨𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗚𝗥𝗘́ 𝗟'𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘́𝗥𝗘̂𝗧 𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗢 ! 🇪🇺
Vous le voyez où ? 🤔
🗞️ @diarioas pic.twitter.com/BxWIIr8eEA
— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) May 6, 2025
Benfica: There has been discussion about perhaps returning to his boyhood club as a sentimental buy. However, financial issues will dictate this is a low-ball offer.
Felix’s Unstable Run
Felix’s departure is just the beginning of another mass exodus that is expected to unfold at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are keen to sell up to eight players, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, and Raheem Sterling, in order to raise funds for an incoming striker and a right-footed winger. Nonetheless, Chelsea’s priority targets include Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho amongst others, Chelsea are willing to exceed £60 million on the right player.
Romano quoted admitting the signing of a striker is “an absolute priority,” with Maresca specifically looking for a leader who can elevate a team with a lot of potential, but little experience. Defensive reinforcements are also on the radar; PSG’s Axel Tape and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are the type of player Maresca is looking for.
What’s Next for Felix
For Joao Felix, the summer represents an opportunity to reset his career after a handful of years that have seen him underperform based on fanfare and expectations. For Chelsea, the departure of Felix is an important step in correcting squad imbalances and building up attraction for financial sustainability. As Romano said succinctly, “Felix’s future lies elsewhere from Stamford Bridge”. The next few weeks will be a test for Chelsea’s work ability in the market. Moreover, it is for Félix to build himself back into a conversation among the best players across Europe.
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