
Chelsea forward Joao Felix has secured a loan move to Italian club AC Milan until the end of the 2023-2024 season. The 25-year-old Portuguese international joins Milan on a £5m loan fee, with no obligation for the Serie A side to purchase him in the summer. This move marks the next chapter in Felix’s career after his somewhat rocky tenure at Chelsea. While the deal was officially announced on Tuesday, the paperwork had already been submitted in time for the January transfer deadline for both the Premier League and Serie A.
Felix, who had signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea when he made his permanent switch from Atletico Madrid in August 2023 for a £45m fee, now faces another period of adjustment as he heads to the Italian giants. The forward had previously been on loan at Chelsea during the second half of the 2022-23 season and has had limited success during his time at Stamford Bridge. However, with AC Milan now in need of attacking reinforcements, Felix has the chance to prove himself in a competitive Serie A environment.
Felix’s Journey: From Chelsea to Milan
Felix’s transfer to AC Milan is the latest in a series of moves that have seen him move between top European clubs over the last few years. The Portuguese talent first made a name for himself at Benfica, showcasing his impressive skills and earning a £113m move to Atletico Madrid in 2019. This deal, at the time, was one of the most expensive transfers in football history. However, Felix’s time at Atletico was marked by inconsistent performances, and he was loaned out to both Chelsea and Barcelona, struggling to find his place in the starting lineup at these high-profile clubs.
At Chelsea, Felix’s story has been no different. Despite being seen as a promising talent, the forward has often been relegated to a bench role under the management of Enzo Maresca. This season, he has made just three Premier League starts, though he did regularly feature in cup competitions, scoring seven goals across various tournaments. His lack of consistent playing time in the league has led to speculation about his future, and his move to AC Milan on loan represents an opportunity to kickstart his career once again.
Chelsea’s Strategy: Loaning Felix to AC Milan
Chelsea’s decision to loan Joao Felix to AC Milan comes at a time when the club is in the process of restructuring its squad and managing financial regulations. Chelsea, under pressure from Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, has been forced to make some difficult decisions about their squad and finances. The Blues had initially hoped to retain Conor Gallagher, but when they were unable to agree on a new contract, they made the decision to sell the academy graduate to Atletico Madrid for £33m. This move helped Chelsea balance their books and offset some of the significant financial outlays on players such as Felix.
The Chelsea hierarchy likely saw Felix’s departure as another necessary step in their attempt to comply with financial regulations while still maintaining a competitive squad. By sending Felix out on loan, Chelsea were able to free up space in their squad and reduce his £9m per season financial burden, while also benefiting from a loan fee from AC Milan. Though Felix’s time at Chelsea wasn’t a failure, it became clear that he wasn’t fitting into the club’s long-term plans, making a loan move to Milan a logical decision for all parties involved.
Felix’s Move: A Fresh Start at AC Milan
AC Milan, who are currently in eighth place in Serie A, are hoping that Felix can provide them with the attacking spark they need to mount a challenge for the top spots in Italy. Felix’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Milan, who are looking to push forward in both domestic competitions and European football. Milan’s participation in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia gives Felix an excellent opportunity to prove his worth on the big stage.
For Felix, the move to Milan offers a fresh start after a challenging period at Chelsea. While he struggled for consistent playing time in the Premier League, the Italian league presents a different style of play that may suit Felix’s strengths more effectively. Milan, a team with a rich history of producing top attacking talent, could be the ideal environment for Felix to thrive in.
Felix has the potential to be a key figure for AC Milan, given his versatility in the attacking third. He is capable of playing as a winger, a central attacking midfielder, or even as a forward, which gives Milan manager Stefano Pioli flexibility in his attacking options. If Felix can replicate the form that made him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe during his time at Benfica, he could be a game-changer for Milan in their bid for success in Serie A and the Champions League.
The Influence of Joao Felix on Chelsea’s Squad and Future Prospects
Chelsea’s decision to loan out Joao Felix is part of a broader strategy to reshape their squad, both financially and tactically. Despite spending significant amounts on players in recent transfer windows, Chelsea has struggled to find consistency on the pitch this season. The loan move for Felix allows the club to recoup some financial ground and gives them time to reassess their plans for the future.
The move also gives Chelsea’s younger players more opportunities to shine. Players like Cole Palmer, who has been a key figure in Chelsea’s attack this season, are expected to continue receiving more playing time. Felix’s departure opens the door for other attacking players to step up and contribute more consistently. For the Blues, this loan move can be seen as a necessary step in their broader squad-building project, where the aim is to focus on developing players who are likely to be part of their long-term plans.
Additionally, Chelsea’s financial balance is crucial in ensuring they meet the Profit and Sustainability rules. By sending Felix out on loan, the club can offset some of the substantial financial commitments they made when acquiring him, making the move a strategic one from a financial standpoint.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Joao Felix and Chelsea?
Joao Felix’s loan move from Chelsea to AC Milan marks another significant chapter in his career. After struggling for regular playing time in Chelsea’s star-studded squad, Felix has the opportunity to reignite his career at one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs. AC Milan, hoping to challenge for the top positions in Serie A and make an impact in European competitions, will look to Felix to provide them with the attacking flair they need to achieve their goals.
For Chelsea, sending Felix on loan to Milan is a strategic decision, allowing the club to free up space in their squad and comply with financial regulations while still benefiting from the £5m loan fee. With the opportunity to assess his future in a different environment, Felix could emerge as a key figure for AC Milan during the remainder of the 2023-2024 season. For Chelsea, this move helps reset their squad and enables them to focus on their long-term plans, with an eye on further strengthening their roster for future success.
As Joao Felix embarks on this new chapter with AC Milan, both he and Chelsea will be hoping that the next few months lead to success, growth, and perhaps even a permanent move for the talented forward in the future.
