Chelsea paid 50 million for him and now don't know how to get rid of this player

Chelsea Paid €50 Million for Joao Félix, but Coach Enzo Maresca Doesn’t Count on Him; Loan Move to Milan Looms

Joao Félix’s transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 was seen as a statement of intent from the Premier League club, with the Blues splashing out €50 million on the highly-talented Portuguese forward. The move came after a turbulent loan spell at Chelsea from Atlético Madrid during the second half of the 2022-23 season, where Félix showed flashes of his immense potential. However, just months after Chelsea’s big investment, Félix’s future at the club has become uncertain, with new head coach Enzo Maresca reportedly not counting on him as part of his plans for the season.

Félix, who arrived in London as one of the most promising young talents in European football, was expected to play a crucial role in Chelsea’s attacking setup. His creativity, flair, and technical skills made him a perfect fit for the team, who were in search of a forward to bolster their attack. But despite his clear talent, his time at Stamford Bridge has been less than ideal, and now, a loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan seems to be on the horizon.

A Rocky Start Under Maresca

Since Enzo Maresca took over the managerial reins at Chelsea, the team’s tactical setup and formation have undergone significant changes. Maresca, who is known for his possession-based style and tactical discipline, has made it clear that he is looking for players who fit into his strategic vision. Unfortunately for Joao Félix, his skill set hasn’t aligned with the role Maresca envisions for his attacking players.

Despite his undoubted ability, Félix’s performances have been inconsistent, and he hasn’t been able to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. This is a stark contrast to the expectations that surrounded his €50 million transfer, which raised hopes that he would become a key player in Chelsea’s attack. While the Portuguese international has shown glimpses of brilliance, his lack of defensive work rate, combined with the team's tactical rigidity under Maresca, has left him struggling to find his place in the system.

Furthermore, Chelsea’s depth in the forward positions, with numerous attacking options such as Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhailo Mudryk, has only made it more challenging for Félix to break into the starting XI. Maresca’s preference for players who can contribute both offensively and defensively has left Félix on the fringes of the team, with limited opportunities to showcase his talent.

Loan Move to AC Milan on the Horizon

Given his lack of involvement in Chelsea’s plans, the club is reportedly considering sending Félix out on loan to AC Milan for the remainder of the season. Milan, who have been active in the transfer market this summer, are interested in securing a player of Félix’s caliber to strengthen their attacking options. With the club competing in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, a player like Félix could provide the necessary creativity and dynamism to complement their attacking setup.

A move to Milan would offer Félix the chance to regain his form and confidence, something he has struggled to do at Chelsea under Maresca. The Serie A side is known for nurturing attacking talent, and Félix could benefit from playing in a league that values technical skill and flair. Furthermore, the opportunity to feature regularly for a top-tier European club could help him reignite his career and prove his worth as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.

For Chelsea, a loan move would be a pragmatic solution, as it would allow them to recoup some of the investment they made in Félix while also giving him the opportunity to play more regularly. This would also give Maresca the chance to reassess his attacking options and bring in a player who better fits his tactical needs.

The Bigger Picture: Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy

The situation with Joao Félix highlights the challenges Chelsea faces in managing their extensive squad. Under the ownership of Todd Boehly, the club has made significant investments in young talent, but the lack of coherence between some players’ styles and the team’s tactical demands has led to difficulties in integrating certain signings into the starting lineup. The club’s decision to splurge on players like Félix, who arrived with high expectations, now seems to be backfiring as they struggle to find a balance between their vast array of attacking options.

Chelsea’s upcoming decisions on Félix will be pivotal in determining the future direction of their squad. If the loan move to Milan materializes, it could provide valuable experience for the player and help Chelsea assess his future at the club. However, if the situation remains unresolved, the club might face difficult choices regarding his long-term future and whether their €50 million investment will yield the desired results.

Conclusion

Joao Félix’s future at Chelsea looks uncertain, as coach Enzo Maresca does not currently count on the Portuguese forward for his tactical plans. Despite a €50 million transfer, Félix has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, and now a loan move to AC Milan seems imminent. A switch to Milan could provide Félix with the opportunity to rediscover his form and potentially relaunch his career in Serie A. For Chelsea, sending the player out on loan may be the best option for both the club and Félix, allowing him to play regularly and giving Chelsea time to evaluate his future in the long term.