Chelsea Football Club is poised to welcome back Joao Felix, the 25-year-old Portuguese forward with 83 career goals, this summer following a challenging loan spell at AC Milan.
Chelsea to Welcome Back 83-Goal Forward João Félix This Summer
Felix, who joined Chelsea on a permanent transfer from Atlético Madrid for €52 million (£42 million) in August 2024, initially made a promising return by scoring in a 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite his strong start, Felix struggled to secure a consistent starting position under manager Enzo Maresca.
In February 2025, seeking more playing time, he moved to AC Milan on loan. He debuted impressively, scoring in a 3-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final win against Roma.
However, Felix’s form declined, leading to criticism from Italian media and reduced playing time. Reports indicate that AC Milan does not plan to retain him for the 2025-2026 season.
As Felix prepares to rejoin Chelsea, the club faces a decision: integrate him into the squad or seek a transfer.
His return coincides with Chelsea’s recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City, a crucial win in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but emphasized adherence to tactical discipline.
Felix’s reintegration offers both challenges and opportunities. His experience across top European leagues could provide valuable depth to Chelsea’s attacking options.
Supporters and analysts alike will be keen to see how Maresca plans to utilize Felix’s talents in the upcoming season.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea’s strategy regarding Felix will be pivotal. The club must assess whether to harness his potential within their system or explore alternative solutions that benefit both parties.
Felix’s journey underscores the complexities professional footballers face and the resilience required to navigate them.
