Chelsea Football Club has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign João Félix from Atlético Madrid. This signing is said to be in conjunction with the transfer of Conor Gallagher to the Spanish club in the opposite direction. Talks between the two clubs have intensified in recent days, with Atlético needing to offload a player before finalizing the deal for Gallagher. The exact fee for the potential transfer of Félix remains undisclosed, but sources suggest it could amount to around €50 million, including add-ons.
João Félix, the Portugal international, was notably absent from Diego Simeone’s squad in their LaLiga opener against Villarreal, hinting at his imminent departure. It is reported that Félix has agreed to a six-year contract with the option of extending it for a further 12 months. This move would see him return to the club where he previously spent six months on loan, during which he scored four goals in 20 appearances.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is expected to finalize his transfer to Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of £34 million. The young midfielder has already agreed to personal terms and successfully completed a medical examination. If the deal goes through, Gallagher would join a list of summer signings made by Chelsea, including Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and others.
The potential arrival of João Félix at Chelsea raises questions about the future of Raheem Sterling at the club. Sterling was notably omitted from the squad in the Premier League’s opening weekend loss to Manchester City. While his camp has mentioned a positive relationship with head coach Enzo Maresca, Sterling seeks clarity on his position following his exclusion. The match against City saw the inclusion of Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Pedro Neto in the lineup, leaving Sterling on the sidelines.
Chelsea’s pursuit of João Félix and the subsequent transfer of Conor Gallagher represent significant developments for the club. These moves not only impact the composition of the team but also hint at potential changes in squad dynamics and player roles. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on these transfers and their implications for Chelsea’s upcoming season.