João Félix Draws Interest from Galatasaray and Saudi Clubs as AC Milan Passes on Permanent Deal
João Félix’s Journey from Chelsea to AC Milan and Beyond
João Félix, once a highly touted forward, has found himself at a crossroads after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea and a modest loan stint at AC Milan. The promising Portuguese attacker, who joined Chelsea permanently in the summer of 2024 for a significant fee of £46 million, struggled to find consistent form and starting opportunities. His tenure at Chelsea saw only three Premier League starts amid a crowded squad, prompting a mid-season loan move to AC Milan in January 2025, aimed at revitalizing his career under coach Sergio Conceicao.
AC Milan paid a €5 million loan fee to Chelsea for Félix’s services and hoped the player’s talent could bolster their attacking options. However, despite 21 appearances across competitions, Félix managed just 3 goals, a modest return that ultimately led Milan to decide against exercising the option to sign him permanently. The rumored €35 million transfer price tag was not met with enthusiasm by the Italian club, who cited performance and tactical reasons for the decision.
Performance Analysis: Félix’s Struggles and Chelsea’s Squad Strategy
At Chelsea, João Félix found it difficult to adapt, contributing little impact on the pitch during the 2024-25 season. His output failed to meet expectations following his big-money transfer, leading Chelsea to reassess their squad size and wage bill. Félix’s form peaked briefly during his debut at Milan, but inconsistency and limited goal production characterized his half-season in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Chelsea concluded the season maintaining a highly competitive but bloated squad, with many players like Félix deemed surplus to requirements. Milan, following a transfer window where they sought to strengthen their frontline, initially considered Félix as a complement to Santiago Gimenez but ultimately chose alternative reinforcements after evaluating his loan performance.
Interest from Galatasaray and Saudi Arabian Clubs
With AC Milan stepping back from a permanent deal, João Félix is now attracting attention from other clubs looking to bolster their squads. Galatasaray, having parted ways with Álvaro Morata, are actively pursuing attacking reinforcements and see Félix as a potential fit to fill that void. Additionally, clubs in the Saudi Pro League, known for their increasing investments in experienced European talent, have also expressed interest in the forward.
This interest aligns with Chelsea’s objectives to offload Félix to streamline their squad and reduce wage expenditures. Félix’s future now appears centered around finding the right club that can offer him consistent playing time and a platform to regain his earlier promise.
Possible Return to Benfica: A Homecoming on the Horizon?
Amid these suitors, Benfica, Félix’s formative club, has shown a tentative openness to re-signing the player. Despite financial hurdles and some distancing from the club president, Félix himself has expressed a desire to return to Lisbon, where coach Bruno Lage’s presence is seen as a positive influence. Félix stated that returning to Benfica is where he is “most inclined,” reflecting a personal preference that could shape his next career move.
Félix’s Number 79 Jersey at Milan: A Nod to His Roots
During his loan at Milan, Félix donned the number 79 shirt—a throwback to his youth and early career days at Benfica. This subtle detail underscores a symbolic connection and perhaps an emotional readiness to return to the club where he initially rose to prominence.
Transfer Details and Financial Overview
The loan agreement between Chelsea and AC Milan included a €5 million fee, with Milan covering Félix’s salary during the six-month arrangement. The potential €35 million permanent transfer never materialized after Milan’s evaluation of his output. Chelsea’s strategy now is to either facilitate a sale or loan to clubs like Galatasaray or those in Saudi Arabia, where Félix could rejuvenate his career while Chelsea trims its roster.
Félix’s case reflects the challenges talented players sometimes face when transitioning between leagues and clubs, highlighting the importance of tactical fit and form consistency. As the transfer window approaches its climax, Félix’s next destination remains one of the more intriguing stories to watch.
Sources
- TransferFeed – João Félix to AC Milan
- Sports Illustrated – AC Milan Confirm Transfer Decision on João Félix
- CBS Sports – João Félix and AC Milan Loan Analysis
- Goal.com – Benfica Interest in João Félix
- Chelsea News – João Félix on Possible Benfica Return
Why did AC Milan decide not to sign João Félix permanently?
AC Milan chose not to exercise the option to sign João Félix permanently due to his modest performance during the loan period, where he scored 3 goals in 21 appearances, and concerns about his tactical fit within the team.
What clubs are currently interested in João Félix?
João Félix has attracted interest primarily from Galatasaray, who want to strengthen their attack, and several Saudi Arabian clubs investing in experienced European players. Benfica has also shown some openness to a possible return for Félix.
How much was the loan fee paid by AC Milan for João Félix?
AC Milan paid a €5 million loan fee to Chelsea for the six-month loan of João Félix starting January 2025.
What are João Félix’s own preferences regarding his future club?
João Félix has expressed a preference to return to Benfica, citing the presence of coach Bruno Lage and his emotional ties to the club as important factors in his decision-making.
Why is Chelsea looking to offload João Félix?
Chelsea aims to reduce squad size and manage its wage bill after a busy 2024-25 season, and with Félix struggling for consistent playing time and form, the club is keen to find a new club for him.
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