Chelsea FC have completed their 10th signing of this Transfer Window, with Atletico Madrid playmaker João Félix joining the Blues on a permanent deal. João signs with Chelsea on a seven-year contract, and will be looking to pick up where he left off in 2023, when he came to Stamford Bridge on a 6-month loan deal.
The move sees Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher move in the opposite direction, where he signs on a five-year long deal with Atletico Madrid. Chelsea will pay $60.3 million for Felix, while Atletico will pay $47 million for the services of Gallagher.
The transfer saga finally comes to an end, after Gallagher’s move to Madrid seemed to collapse despite visiting the ground and posing in Atleti colors earlier this month. The young striker Samu Omorodion was courted by Chelsea in return, and the deal fell apart in the last stages according to reports.
Felix is Chelsea’s 10th signing this window, and puts the Blues’ total spending past $200 million for the 4th straight Transfer Window. This transfer also puts Chelsea at the top of the pile with the most money spent in England this Window.
Speaking to the press, Felix said that he is excited to get back to London.
“I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I’d love to return to the Premier League one day. To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I’m excited to be back.” – João Félix
Manager Enzo Maresca also praised the playmaker’s versatility, and said that he will be key as he can play in different positions for the team. The Portuguese spent last year on loan to FC Barcelona, where he recorded 10 goals in 44 games for the Spanish giants.