Soccer

Chelsea set to announce Joao Felix loan signing from Atlético Madrid

London club to pay Spanish club more than €10 million for a six-month loan

Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid to sign for Chelsea on loan. Photograph: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty
Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid to sign for Chelsea on loan. Photograph: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty
Tue Jan 10 2023 - 17:06

Chelsea will pay €10.2 million to sign Atlético Madrid forward Joao Felix on a six-month loan, with an announcement likely on Wednesday.

The Portugal international was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, but has chosen to spend the rest of the season with the Blues, who will also cover the player’s €6 million wages.

It comes with manager Graham Potter in the grip of an injury crisis, with 10 first-team players unavailable for last Sunday’s meek 4-0 surrender against Manchester City in the FA Cup.

Felix became the fifth most expensive player in the world when Atlético paid €128 million to bring him from Benfica as a 19-year-old in 2019, but his performances for the La Liga side have not consistently justified the fee and it is hoped he can refind his form in the Premier League.

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The 23-year-old also featured in Portugal’s run to the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar last month, scoring in the 3-2 victory against Ghana in the group stage.

Felix will become the 13th signing of owner Todd Boehly’s reign, following a large €280 million transfer outlay in the summer and the capture of striker David Fofana and defender Benoit Badiashile earlier in January.

He will also be the club’s first capture since Boehly stood down from his role as interim sporting director to be replaced by Paul Winstanley and Christopher Vivell, who joined to head Chelsea’s recruitment drive earlier this season.

The Chelsea board is confident Potter remains the right man to get the best out of Boehly’s investment despite a run of one win in eight in the league that has left them 10th.