Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Chelsea given perfect Joao Felix 'sale' transfer option as Kai Havertz January replacement

Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost for one of their attacking targets as Graham Potter plans an overhaul at Stamford Bridge. The new manager has been flexible with the way in which he lines up but hasn't gotten the best out of his options yet.

Thomas Tuchel also fell short of seeing his expensively assembled forward line produce consistently, and the challenge now lands at Todd Boehly's door to deal with it. The American co-owner has a war chest to hand Potter in 2023, and they may well have a chance at one of their previous targets.

Having chased to sign Joao Felix from Benfica back in 2019 before he joined Atletico Madrid, the Portugal international could be back on the list for Potter's new-look Chelsea. The 23-year-old hasn't reached the levels that many predicted of him as a talented teenager, but his goal at the World Cup against Ghana proved to be a reminder of the player that he could still become.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland to 'block' Endrick deal as Chelsea given major January transfer incentive

Felix has 33 goals in 129 games for Madrid and hasn't found the pragmatic style of Diego Simeone suited to his own flexibility and expressive play. In a similar nature to Kai Havertz at Chelsea, there have been flashes in Spain but not enough for someone who cost £120m.

His contract doesn't run out until 2026, but after retaining his place for Fernando Santos in Qatar - holding off the competition from Rafael Leao and also seeing off Cristiano Ronaldo - Felix is still a player that top European clubs value, including Chelsea who have looked at him again since 2020.

There's also a chance for the deal to become a reality as Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin revealed his complex situation. “João Felix has top level," he explained. "But because of his relationship with Simeone and game time… we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him."

Felix has only played 501 minutes across 12 matches for his club in La Liga this season, scoring three times and assisting another three too. His future is far from clear though, and Marin added, "I’d love for João to continue, but this is the current situation."

Chelsea have their own uncertainty when it comes to forward players next year. Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic - both of whom have done their values some good at the World Cup - wanted to leave over the summer and haven't managed to push themselves into Potter's immediate plans, meanwhile, Havertz faces an important six months of club football upon his return at Stamford Bridge.

READ NEXT:

Denzel Dumfries agent makes bizarre transfer statement amid Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham links

Reece James returns, 11 new faces: Four things spotted in Chelsea training from Abu Dhabi

Todd Boehly and Chelsea sent clear Cody Gakpo transfer message as Declan Rice issued warning

Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer: New hope, next club, £179m contract, Boehly talks

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.