The arrival and subsequent permanent signing of João Félix at Chelsea Football Club has been a saga marked by anticipation, loan spells, and a significant transfer fee. This chronicle delves into his career at Stamford Bridge, examining his impact, statistics, and the evolving narrative surrounding the Portuguese international.
From Loan Move to Permanent Deal: The Félix Transfer Journey
João Félix first joined Chelsea on loan from Atlético Madrid in January 2023 for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. [1, 4, 12] The initial loan deal involved a fee of approximately $11.8 million, with Chelsea also covering his salary. [4] Prior to this move, Félix had extended his contract with Atlético Madrid until 2027, indicating that the loan was not necessarily the end of his time with the Spanish club. [1, 4]
His debut for Chelsea was against Fulham on January 12, 2023, a match that ended in a 2-1 defeat. Unfortunately, Félix's debut was cut short when he received a straight red card in the second half for a tackle on Kenny Tete. [1, 14, 32] This resulted in a three-match ban. [1] Upon returning from suspension, Félix scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United on February 11, 2023. [1]
Despite the rocky start, Chelsea eventually made Félix's move permanent. On August 21, 2024, the club announced his signing from Atlético Madrid on a seven-year contract for a fee reported to be around £42 million plus add-ons, potentially reaching up to £46.3 million. [1, 3, 10, 11] This permanent move saw Conor Gallagher transfer to Atlético Madrid. [1, 3, 5, 10]
Performance and Statistics at Chelsea
During his initial loan spell in the second half of the 2022-23 season, João Félix made 16 Premier League appearances and scored four goals. [1, 3] Across all competitions during this period, he played 20 games and scored four goals. [16]
In his permanent spell starting from the 2024-25 season, Félix's playing time was limited. He made 12 Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season under manager Enzo Maresca, scoring two goals. [19, 31, 34] Across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, he managed seven goals in 20 appearances before being loaned out. [23]
According to StatMuse, João Félix had 5 goals and an assist in 28 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League in his career. [17] However, other sources indicate fewer Premier League goals, with some stating 4 goals in 16 appearances during his loan spell [1, 3] and 2 goals in 12 appearances in the 2024-25 season. [19, 31, 34] His career statistics with Chelsea show a total of 426 minutes played in 2023, with 4 goals and 1 assist. [20] In the 2024-25 season, he played 1,747 minutes, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists. [28]
Squad Numbers and Player Profile
During his loan spell in 2023, João Félix was assigned the number 11 shirt, which he also wears for the Portuguese national team. [2, 8] This number was previously worn by Timo Werner. [2] For his permanent move, he was given the number 14 shirt for the 2024-25 season. [6, 7]
Félix is a versatile attacking player, capable of playing as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or winger. [1, 3, 10, 35] His strengths lie in his movement, technical ability, and dribbling. [3, 27] He has also expressed a preference for playing in central attacking roles, such as a false nine, a No. 10, or a second striker, believing this is where he can contribute most effectively. [36]
Loan Spells and Future Prospects
After his permanent transfer in August 2024, Félix's time at Chelsea proved short-lived due to limited playing time under Enzo Maresca. [18, 24, 30] In February 2025, he was loaned to AC Milan for the remainder of the season. [18, 23, 25, 30] His loan spell at Milan was also met with mixed reviews, with initial promise but a struggle to maintain consistent impact. [13, 25]
Following his loan at AC Milan, Félix returned to Chelsea but was not part of Enzo Maresca's plans for the 2025-26 season. [19, 21] He was reportedly training with the "bomb squad" and was excluded from the Club World Cup squad. [19, 21] With Chelsea looking to offload him, his career at Stamford Bridge seemed to be over. [21, 24]
In July 2025, Félix completed a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year contract. [29, 34] This move marked another chapter in his career, seeking to rediscover his best form in a new environment. [29, 34]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did João Félix first join Chelsea?
João Félix first joined Chelsea on loan from Atlético Madrid on January 11, 2023. [1, 2, 4]
Was João Félix's move to Chelsea permanent?
Yes, João Félix initially joined on loan and was later permanently signed by Chelsea on August 21, 2024. [1, 3, 11]
What shirt number did João Félix wear at Chelsea?
During his loan spell in 2023, he wore the number 11 shirt. For his permanent move, he was assigned the number 14 shirt. [2, 6, 7, 8]
How many goals did João Félix score for Chelsea?
Sources vary, but he scored approximately 4 goals in 20 appearances during his loan spell and a further 2 goals in 12 appearances in the 2024-25 season. Some aggregated stats suggest a total of 5 goals in 28 Premier League appearances. [1, 3, 17, 19, 31, 34, 16]
Where is João Félix playing now?
As of July 2025, João Félix is playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. [24, 29, 34]
Conclusion
João Félix's tenure at Chelsea was a complex chapter, characterized by a high-profile loan move, a subsequent permanent transfer, and ultimately, a departure. Despite flashes of his undoubted talent, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent force at Stamford Bridge, leading to further loan spells and eventual transfer to Saudi Arabia. His Chelsea journey serves as a case study in the unpredictable nature of modern football transfers and player careers.
