This summer, Chelsea may have to compete with Manchester United to keep Joao Felix at Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese attacker, who enjoyed his loan at Stamford Bridge despite the Blues’ terrible results, appears ready to try to push his way out of Atletico Madrid before the start of the next season.
Since joining Chelsea in January, Felix has played in 12 matches and registered just two goals, but his overall performances have been strong.
The 23-year-old is due to return to Atletico in the summer, but it’s anticipated that he will try to move elsewhere, with Chelsea aiming to reach an agreement on a long-term contract with the Spanish player.
After Cristiano Ronaldo departed from the north of England, United require a replacement centre striker, and his fellow Portuguese colleague may be the one. At Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag is dealing with a lot of underwhelming strikers, including Anthony Martial, Wout Weghorst, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.
Following an excellent loan term in the second half of the 2022–23 season, Felix may choose a permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge instead of heading up north to United.
However, there are a few factors he may want to take into account before making a permanent move to West London. A new permanent manager at Chelsea has not yet been named, thus Frank Lampard serving as interim manager until the completion of the current campaign.
Should Chelsea sign a new permanent manager, it depends on whether Felix will be approved by him, and if he isn’t, it would open the door for other teams to sign the 23-year-old.
The expected arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig may also prevent Chelsea from signing the Portugal international, but more transfer news are to follow.
