Is it really a transfer window if Chelsea is not making all the headlines?
As per usual, Chelsea is stirring up things in the transfer window. Pedro Neto’s signing was their first big signing of the summer. Atlético Madrid’s João Félix was their next big signing. On their radar now is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen however, the deal is looking unlikely now as both parties are unable to get on the same page.
João Félix was part of Chelsea’s squad not too long ago. Signed during the winter transfer window of the 2022/23 season, Félix joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid. Despite wanting to stay, Chelsea let go of the Portuguese who then went on to play at Barcelona, also on loan.
With a return to Atlético Madrid being unlikely for a long time, the forward had been on the look for his next destination. This had been in the hopes of landing a permanent deal, rather than jumping from loan to loan despite already becoming a somewhat established player.
Leading in the race to sign João Félix was Chelsea. It has since been reported that the reason Chelsea did not keep the forward after the end of his loan spell was not mutual. Despite both the ownership and the player wanting to continue their partnership, Mauricio Pochettino was not on the same page. As a result, the owners decided to side with their then-new manager. Pochettino’s replacement, Enzo Maresca, has a differing opinion to the Argentine.
Chelsea and Atleti had talks ongoing for days. This was in regards to Conor Gallagher joining the Spanish side and João Félix returning to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal. Although talks were slow, according to reports, both deals were eventually finalised. Both players have now played a game each for their new clubs.
The Questions Asked Prior
As per tradition, there are many questions over who will play where for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s attack is currently comprised of Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mykahlio Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku and new signings Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and now João Félix. Of the 10, the future of three is uncertain, namely Sterling, Madueke and Chukwuemeka. Madueke just scored a hattrick, which may incentivise the owners to keep him at the club. Of the three, Sterling looks the most likely to be sold as he is no longer involved in first-team activities. There is also the speculation that Mudryk might be loaned out, however, this may prove to just be the mill of rumour based on bias.
João Félix is not a constricting player. He is not a player that can only play in one position. He can play up front as the sole striker as well as a false nine and attacking midfielder. The Portuguese forward can also play on the left flank as a winger. Maresca should be able to use him to suit his preferred style against different opponents.
The likes of Nkunku, Chukwuemeka (should he stay) and Neto are injury-prone, which could allow João Félix more minutes – as Malo Gusto has seen in the absence of captain Reece James.
Chelsea will also be playing in more competitions this season in comparison to the last. As a result, there will be more player rotation, especially for a squad that is injury-prone. Félix might find himself playing even more minutes because of this.
An Instant Response
João Félix made his debut for Chelsea as a permanent signing on Sunday. This was when the Blues played against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium for their second Premier League game of the season. Chelsea went on to win that game with an impressive scoreline.
It was an eight-goal thriller, with Chelsea enjoying the spoils of the 6-2 result.The hattrick heroes were Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer. Madueke scored a hattrick, each assisted by none other than Palmer. The former Manchester City player himself got a goal, as did Nicolas Jackson, who opened the scoring from a corner kick by Palmer. The final goal of the game was a silencer to all who have questioned Chelsea’s transfer window business.
In the 80th minute, new signing from Wolves Pedro Neto served a lovely pass to new signing João Félix who scored an even lovelier goal. In terms of position, he was brought on as a substitute for Jackson. Félix, however, scored his goal from a deeper position.
João Félix is a player that can earn a spot on the starting XI. A proven goalscorer, he is someone who can – and already has – add to Chelsea’s attack positively.