Chelsea have received a cautious message regarding Joao Felix as the Portugal star crashed out of the World Cup to Morocoo on Saturday. The 23-year-old stood out in Fernando Santos' 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the last-16 but felt the pain along with his teammates after losing the quarter-final.
Felix didn't score in the lethal mauling earlier in the week but still showed his class with several mazy dribbles, popping up in space and recording two assists. His performance came at a timely point in the tournament too, with transfer season upon us as Felix is one of those being looked at once more.
Chelsea have been interested in bringing him to London for several years, and Arsenal were keen on him too, but nothing has come. However, with all not well at Atletico Madrid there is a chance to take advantage and secure one of European football's brightest sparks.
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His future was also thrust into the spotlight by Madrid CEO Gil Marin earlier this week, after he said: “João Felix has top level but because of his relationship with Simeone and game time… we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him. I’d love for Joao to continue, but this is the current situation."
Felix then added his own layer to that, appearing to hit back at his club after the Switzerland win, saying: “The way of playing with Portugal and then at the club is different. When the conditions are favourable, things go better."
That may well be true, Felix has been seen as a luxury player since moving to Spain in 2019, but one that can be a match winner on his day. However, Graeme Souness isn't set on him. "He went at 19 for €119million, such a lot of money, a burden," he said before the Morocco defeat.
"I don’t think he’s fulfilled his expected potential at [Atletico] Madrid. With Simeone, they have a pragmatic approach, can see he’s not the biggest and strongest but under a different manager and system, he would be better but the jury is still out on him."
Graham Potter has his own version of Felix in Kai Havertz at Stamford Bridge. The German is seen as a wonderful talent but not consistent enough, and Felix has been labelled in the same way. Given the huge price tag, Souness' comments may well be a warning for the Blues to steer clear.
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