Chelsea lost 2-0 in their opening game against Manchester City. The new season did not start well for the Blues. Despite having a new coach and a bunch of new signings they failed to have an impact against the reigning champions. Enzo Maresca has a latest addition to their squad they have brought back Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. Previously he played for the West London side back in 2023.
The last time he debuted in a Premier League game he was sent off. He played in 16 games for the side scoring 4 goals before moving to FC Barcelona on loan. Then despite the Blaugranes interest in keeping him their Financial Fair Play (FFP) had to let him go. Madrid was also not keen on keeping him. This is the very reason they sold him permanently to Stamford Bridge.
Felix will look to prove himself under Maresca after his underwhelming loan spell at the club. He becomes Chelsea’s 10th signing of the summer. And their 43rd since the Boehly-Clearlake takeover. The signing comes just hours after the £36m departure of Conor Gallagher to Atletico. Chelsea will be able to split the £46.3 million cost of his signing over the full five-year contract.
Joao Felix’s will replace Sterling down the wings
Does the signing of Felix mean the end of Raheem Sterling’s career at Stamford Bridge? Sterling did not feature in the first game for the Blues. The club is willing to listen to offers for Sterling just two years after he joined from Manchester City for £50m in 2022. The head coach informed the 29-year-old last Friday that he was not in his plans this season.
The No.7 shirt has also been stripped off from the English winger. It has been handed over to Pedro Neto. With Felix’s addition to the side now Sterling’s future is very unsure with the former can play down the left channel. Sterling since joining has not been impressive and it has been one of the main reasons for him to be left out of the squad. Despite being in plans till last season.
