Joao Felix is set to cost Chelsea millions of pounds after he was shown a red card against Fulham. The on-loan Atletico Madrid star initially enjoyed a fantastic debut for the Blues at Craven Cottage before he was given his marching orders.
Up until the 58th-minute, Graham Potter looked to have been a genius for throwing Felix into the deep end with the Portugal international running rings around Marco Silva's side. But, after recklessly lunging in on Kenny Tete, he was dismissed, meaning he will now miss Chelsea's next three Premier League fixtures.
And, it quickly transpired that Felix's suspension will prove more costly than first thought. The Blues are said to have paid the Spanish giants around £9million for the six-month loan signing of Felix, while also covering the entirety of his wages.
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According to reports, the Portuguese star is earning nearly £250,000 per week at the Wanda Metropolitano, which equates to over £12million a year.
With the Blues out of the FA Cup, the forward is set to be on the sidelines for a month so, therefore, the total outlay is going to cost the Blues £2.8million: £1.89million for missing three games, having paid £9million for 20 Premier League games, plus £1million in wages.
Felix is set to return for Chelsea against West Ham on February 11, missing clashes against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Fulham. Speaking to BBC Sport, Potter offered his thoughts on the loanees display.
"Joao Felix was fantastic in the game before that [the sending off], you could see his quality," the former Brighton boss said. "He was looking dangerous throughout.
"The challenge is unfortunate. It is a bit of a forward's challenge. I don't think there was too much malice in it and it is an unfortunate action and we are going to lose him now."
With Felix's arrival costing Chelsea millions, Ally McCoist branded the £9million loan fee as an 'absolute madness'. Speaking on talkSPORT ahead of the striker's switch, the former Rangers striker said: "That’s an interesting one. I can’t believe we’re paying £9million for a loan now… Absolute madness.
"I like Joao Felix. I don’t think he’s the answer to Chelsea’s problems. They need a centre-forward. Plus, I don’t think he’s consistent enough. I watched him closely in the World Cup, and I thought he did some brilliant things. I thought he had one or two good games. But he’s one of those players who leaves you wanting a little bit more."
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