Chelsea Recruit Joao Felix From Atletico Madrid On A Seven-Year Contract

Chelsea new player Joao Felix. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea recruited Joao Felix's forward from Atletico Madrid for 42.6 million pounds or approximately 862 billion rupiah. Felix also received a long contract with a duration of seven years.

Felix's future puzzle has been answered. He did not return to Barcelona, who last season borrowed the Portuguese national team. At Barca, Felix became one of the pillars and played 44 times. The 24-year-old player managed to pack 10 goals despite failing to bring the trophy red Blaugrana.

However, Barca is still trying to make Felix permanent. Only the plan failed. Felix actually returned to Chelsea who had also borrowed him for half a season.

Felix himself first joined Chelsea in 2023. He had scored four goals during his 20 appearances with the Blues. When he returned to Stamford Bridge for the second time, Felix was awarded a permanent contract. Even Felix was given a seven-year contract.

He also expressed his joy when he signed a contract with Chelsea. Felix said that after being loaned here and there, he hoped to get a club on a civil basis.

"This is my chance to get a home. After being loaned to Chelsea and Barca, I actually wanted to get a place permanently," Felix told The Sun.

"There is no better place than Chelsea. I think this is the perfect place to shine. I'm really happy to be back at Chelsea. I saw familiar faces when I was here the last time. I can't wait to play right away," he said.

Felix admitted that he was happy while playing at Chelsea. This is what made him happy when he returned to the West London club.

"I really like it when I'm here. I always tell my friends and family that I'm happy if one day I return to the English Premier League. So, I'm really happy to be back here," Felix said again.

Chelsea manager Enzo Marsca welcomes Felix's recruitment because the team gets versatile players. According to him, this is very important for the Blues.

"It's good, he can play in various positions. He can play deeper [at centre], but he's also bia playing as [false] 9. He's also very good as a winger," said Maresca.

Felix, who followed in the footsteps of his compatriot, Pedro Neto, began to skyrocket when Atletico signed from Benfica in 2019. He was recruited for 126 million euros which broke the club's purchase record.

Felix also played a role in helping Atletico win the 2021 Spanish La Liga title. He scored 34 goals during 131 matches. But since 2023, Felix has been loaned more frequently to other clubs.

When Chelsea bought Felix, at the opposite, Atletico hooked up midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. Atletico bought it for 42 million euros.