Chelsea fans are undoubtedly looking forward to the exciting signing of Joao Felix, with the Blues closing in on sealing a loan move for the Portugal international - although they will look to avoid a previous mistake if Todd Boehly gets the deal over the line.
Felix has been hot property throughout his career, becoming one of the most sought-after players in world football when he was at Benfica after scoring 20 goals in 43 games as a 19-year-old. It would be harsh to say the 23-year-old has flopped at Atletico Madrid, despite the mammoth £113m fee they paid to sign him - with 34 goals in 131 games still a decent return.
Felix has been used in different positions regularly at Atleti under Diego Simeone. While the Argentine coach is also famed for his conservative approach.
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It appears the time has come for a new chapter in his career. Chelsea close to completing the signing of Felix on a loan deal until the end of the season, sources have told football.london. The Blues will reportedly pay a loan fee of £9.7million.
But having already dealt with Atletico in the loan market before, Chelsea chiefs must tread carefully around Felix's signing - with the summer acquisition of Saul Niguez in 2021 by then-director Marina Granovskaia still likely to stick in the mind of Blues fans after it all went so categorically wrong.
The Spanish midfielder was one of the shining lights of the peak Simeone era at Atleti, becoming the main man in the centre of the pitch with his gut-bursting runs, slick passing range and tireless demeanour. But a loan move to Chelsea with Niguez swapping Madrid for London didn't work and Blues boss Graham Potter must hope Felix can adapt better than his teammate, especially given there is an instant impact needed with Chelsea languishing in mid-table in the Premier League.
Chelsea had an option to sign Niguez on a permanent deal after his loan but opted against triggering the clause with the Spain international having been limited to just 10 appearances in the Premier League.
“Hello Blues, I’m writing to take my leave of you,” Saul posted on Instagram after leaving Chelsea. “I would like to tell you how I felt during this adventure. Things didn’t start well at all. After a long time at home, changing everything wasn’t easy. Little by little things got better.
“Everything in life serves to improve and learn, and that’s what I take from this adventure. I’d like to thank the club for trying to take care of every detail to make me feel at home. I’d also like to give recognition to each worker, thank you. Thank you for making this club much bigger.
“Thanks to all the fans for supporting me through thick and thin. I will be forever grateful. Thanks to all the staff for making it possible for me to win titles with the blue shirt. But above all, I wanted to thank my teammates. They have been fundamental so that I wouldn’t fall apart. They helped me to continue supporting the team and live a calm and positive day to day. Thank you!”
Although the Niguez move didn't work out, there are successes when it comes to Chelsea signing players from the Spanish capital this century. Diego Costa and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were two of the Blues' best signings in attack in the Premier League era and both came from Atleti.
Costa won two Premier League titles and a League Cup in his time at Stamford Bridge, whilst Hasselbaink made a massive impact at Stamford Bridge helping the club's transition into the Roman Abramovich era.
Filipe Luis is Chelsea's only other signing from Atletico, and whilst the left-back failed to leave his mark upon west London individually, his only season resulted in a league title. Chelsea, Boehly and Potter will be hoping Felix's impact is more akin to that of Costa than Niguez in the next six months or so.
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