Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Atlético Madrid attacking midfielder João Félix.
The 24-year-old Portuguese international, who spent six months on loan with Chelsea during the 2022/23 season, returns to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal worth approximately £44.5 million.
Félix underwent a medical with Chelsea on Tuesday and has signed a seven-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2031.
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Last season, Félix was on loan at Barcelona, where he scored ten goals and provided four assists in all competitions. His arrival at Chelsea has facilitated Conor Gallagher’s move in the opposite direction.
The former Golden Boy award winner becomes Chelsea’s tenth signing of the summer, joining the likes of Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jörgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
“It’s a chance for me to find a home,” Félix told Chelsea’s official website. “After two loans, at Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There is no better place for me than Chelsea. I see it as a perfect place to shine.
“It was a combination of many things that made me want to come back: the project, the club, the league, the fans, and the time I spent here that I loved. I felt really good when I was here, despite the results we had. I’m really happy to be back.”
Félix added, “I’ve developed as a player in many ways—understanding the game, finding the spaces where I can have the most impact. I’ve watched videos of my games to learn and improve.
“I’ve grown since I was last here. I’m 24 now, turning 25 in November, and I feel like I’ve matured as a player. I’m more prepared for the Premier League. My best years are ahead of me, and I have no doubt about that. This year is going to be a good one because now I am permanently at home, and I can truly enjoy it.”