Boehly’s penultimate card
Joao Felix landed in London amid an eclectic mix of players tied to various projects, requests from coaches who have since moved on, and fresh signings from new owners. Since his arrival, the Portuguese forward has had three coaches, logged 13 matches, and scored just two goals. Meanwhile, Atlético has not lost a match since his departure and looms to deny Real Madrid a second place in the league, led by a rejuvenated Griezmann after Portugal’s exit. In London, Felix’s arrival carried a hint of good fortune, and Chelsea’s interest in finalizing the deal quickly circulated. Rumors about Mendes’ expanding influence spread through club offices and newsroom chatter alike. Yet the reality is that Felix has limited staying options at Stamford Bridge for several reasons. First, the cost. Atlético paid 126 million and aims to recoup as much as possible, targeting a transfer price near 100 million. In London, a ceiling of around 80 million has been whispered, considering the substantial payouts already handed out. The clubs might consider including a discarded Chelsea asset in a potential deal, such as Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, or Edouard Mendy, though Atlético has not shown openness to this yet. (Source: internal reports on transfer negotiations).
From Joao Félix to Joao ‘Greedy’
Felix’s move to London brought a mixed bag of reactions. The Portuguese midfielder found himself at odds with teammates and the locker room, and his arrival pushed Mason Mount, a rare homegrown staple, into a substitution role. Fans who once saw Mount as a future Liverpool target now watched Felix as a possible focal point for Chelsea’s attack. Journalists and colleagues noted his notable individuality on the field, with moments where his pursuit of personal glory appeared to outpace opportunities for teammates who were better placed. The tendency to surge forward has sometimes blocked clear scoring chances or gifted a rival second goal in recent matches, including Brighton and a defeat to Chelsea’s rivals. The team has also drawn with Everton and suffered another loss to Fulham. Felix’s style has drawn mixed reviews, especially in England where he is nicknamed by some as “Greedy” and, in Spain, “chupón.” The moniker followed him as a symbol of his aggressive drive for the ball. (Source: match reports and pundit commentary).
The word around Felix suggests he rarely looks up after receiving the ball, a habit that can frustrate teammates, and even Sterling has had to caution him on the pitch. The nickname stuck as Felix’s efforts continued to draw attention. In terms of stats, Felix has taken more than three shots in every game since his Chelsea move, totaling 43 attempts in 13 appearances. Only two found the net, and he has yet to provide an assist. Reports indicate he needs about 398 minutes to score, a stark stat given the high expectations for his impact in the Chelsea attack. He has also been described as soft in physical duels, with a notable moment at the Bernabéu where a Kanté pass put him through, only for Militao to nullify the chance. (Source: performance analysis and pundit summaries).
Felix’s commentary about his experience at Atlético floated into the public sphere through a Portuguese sports channel. He described Simeone’s style as a grind that rewards constant effort and the willingness to suffer on the field to seize opportunities. Chelsea, by contrast, is portrayed as a team that dominates possession and presses high, a contrast Felix says suits his game well. He added that he feels free in this environment and that his time at Atlético offered different experiences, including songs that echoed on match days. (Source: Felix interview excerpts).
Nkunku closes the door
At Chelsea, a further development closed the door on a Felix return to Atlético. The club signed Christopher Nkunku from Red Bull Leipzig for around 70 million dollars, positioning the French forward as the primary attacking figure for the upcoming season. Felix’s status in London therefore appeared less certain, and his ownership situation remained unsettled. The Portuguese forward arrived with a personal car left behind in Madrid, reflecting a contrast between the lifestyle expectations in London and Felix’s current status within the squad. Chelsea has committed to a high weekly wage, creating a complex financial landscape for any potential exit. (Source: transfer announcements and club statements).
In recent weeks, Mendes’ network has kept Felix in the public eye, with chatter linking the player to clubs including Manchester United. Yet Atlético appears unlikely to bid aggressively for a return, and the club is wary of Simeone’s future presence and the possibility of seeing the player in blue again. At 23, Felix’s next steps remain open, with several possibilities on the table, including a potential stop in the Middle East. (Source: industry speculation and club strategy reports).