João Félix has joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season. The Blues beat Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal to the signing of the Portugal forward, with neither side willing to pay the £9.69 million loan fee plus wages. This article breaks down whether the loan deal is a risk for Chelsea.
João Félix numbers for Atletico Madrid were not good
João Félix’s output for Atletico Madrid has not been good. In the 14 games he played in the league this season he has scored 4 goals and got 3 assists. Last season he played 24 league games and got 8 goals and had 4 assists. These stats are concerning as Chelsea have struggled when it comes to attacking players. These stats also show he is more known for flair and skills than goals. However, some football fans will argue his low output is down to playing for a defensive manager in the shape of Diego Simeone.
No option to buy with a high fee
The fact that Chelsea is not obliged to buy the player is not ideal as if he does well, he goes back to Atletico Madrid. He extended his contract at the Spanish club so if Chelsea want to buy him he will be more expensive. João Félix also went for a high fee which is what put off the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal from signing him. The high fee is a risk considering he has under-performed at Atletico Madrid, and it is unknown how he’ll do in the Premier League.
Chelsea need another attacking option
Chelsea’s current attackers are under-performing. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz have been poor in relation to goals this season. Aubameyang has 1 goal in 9 league games and Havertz 4 in 17 appearances. The Blues have attackers who are sidelined for a long period of time. Christian Pulisic is out for a couple of months after picking up a knee injury in Chelsea’s 0-1 loss home to Man City. Raheem Sterling is out for a month after picking up a injury in the same game. He is in a race against time to be fit for the clash against Dortmund on the 15th February. Bringing in João Félix will bolster a struggling attack which has injured players.
It is a loan deal
Chelsea got João Félix on loan so it will not mean much if he doesn’t do well. If he does well, it will boost his confidence. He needs confidence as in LaLiga he is yet to score or assist against Real Madrid or Barcelona. If he can add a spark to Chelsea’s team to kick start something like helping the team in the race for European football it will be worth it. It remains to be seen whether he will play in Chelsea’s first-ever meeting in Europe with Borussia Dortmund.
Conclusion
It is not a risk as it is a loan deal and Chelsea need a different option as some attackers are under-performing and injured. The fact it is a loan deal will put him under less pressure to perform. This is a complete contrast to a world record signing who would be under pressure to hit the ground running.