According to The Telegraph, the London club would have forcefully entered the fray to seize the Portuguese talent this winter.
Fans can follow the Joao Félix auction as it unfolds. While Atlético de Madrid remains reluctant to part with its biggest investment in recent memory, the Portuguese star is adamant about leaving the rojiblanco camp during this winter window, whether on loan or through a permanent transfer. The last English side linked to Félix is Chelsea. Reports from De Telegraaf suggest the Blues are seeking a loan arrangement with Atlético de Madrid for Joao Félix to bolster Graham Potter’s attack in the second half of the season, with a view to a future purchase on June 30, when the Portuguese player would end his current stint with the club.
Félix’s value cap: a minimum around 100 million euros
Joao Félix was Atlético’s most expensive signing, valued at 127 million euros for seven seasons and carrying a 350 million euro release clause. As a result, the club is exploring two routes to part ways with its star: a transfer fee that exceeds 100 million, or a scenario involving a loan followed by a future purchase that would secure at least that 100 million figure. The annual depreciation on Félix is around 18 million euros, and after four seasons with the club, Atlético still has to amortize about 54 million euros from the deal. It’s a notable financial hurdle for all involved.
Open doors for negotiations
Last summer, Atlético rejected offers to sell Félix, preferring to safeguard its investment while its campaign in La Liga unfolded. The situation has shifted since then. Félix is ready to depart, and Atlético has signaled openness if a compelling offer arrives. The club has set a clear negotiating floor: 100 million euros. That price would cover the ongoing transfer debt and could fund further reinvestment in the squad. If such a bid appears, the club may avoid a loss on the operation and could even see additional funds come in after European competition pundits weigh in on the knockouts, given the risk of another loss-making year.
The auction scene for Félix and interested clubs
Who is truly in the race? The market is described as an auction with a long list of potential buyers. Premier League clubs are reportedly considering a move, including Manchester United and Aston Villa, under the direction of Unai Emery who is eager to add top talent to thrill the fanbase, while Arsenal is also mentioned in chatter around Félix. To date, Atlético has not received any formal written bid. The Telegraph notes that Chelsea has emerged as a serious contender, hoping to land Félix on a loan through June 30 with a subsequent permanent purchase. Atlético, meanwhile, awaits a robust offer that proves worthwhile, as the winter window opens in January and the exit of Félix appears increasingly likely in the new year. The negotiation dynamics remain fluid as the European market evolves and clubs weigh strategic options for the second half of the season, including the impact on their wage structures and amortization plans.
Note: Information reflects ongoing media coverage and market speculation as of the current window. [Goal]