Chelsea Move For Joao Felix Permanent Deal At Risk

• Chelsea could face a bigger worry at the end of the season following its move to make Joao Felix a permanent signing at the club.

• According to reports, Newcastle United are interested in the Portuguese attacker and stand a chance to hijack the move from the Blues.

• This is dependent on Newcastle United clinching a spot in the Champions League next season.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Chelsea’s plans to sign Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix on a permanent basis could be at risk due to interest from Newcastle United. Reports suggest that Newcastle is considering a potential hijack of Chelsea’s move for the 23-year-old Portuguese wonderkid, who arrived at Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window on loan until the end of the season.

Felix, who is under contract with Atletico until 2027, has made 15 appearances for Chelsea this season and scored two goals. Despite his impressive performances, Chelsea is not keen to meet Atletico’s £89m price tag for the player, and is weighing up a potential second loan spell for him.

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Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly is believed to be an admirer of Felix and wants the Atletico star to make a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge. However, the potential hijack from Newcastle could be a significant stumbling block in Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.

Newcastle, who are currently pushing for a top-four Premier League finish, is three points clear of fifth-place Tottenham. If they can secure Champions League football next season, they could tempt Felix with a move to St James’ Park. The club is capable of putting up a fee for Felix that Chelsea may not be willing to pay, thanks to the Saudi Arabia-led takeover in 2021.

In an interview with AS in February, Felix revealed that one of the reasons he left Atletico Madrid was because he was “looking for a change of scene for a while.” He also said, “I left because I had had enough of trying and not succeeding. I had to leave in January, and I think it has been a good thing for Atletico and for me.”

Chelsea is currently struggling to offer Felix European football next season after failing to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League and being knocked out of the Champions League. They are currently 11th in the league table and are unlikely to secure Europa League football, and could also miss out on a Conference League spot.

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As things stand, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will opt for a second loan spell for Felix or make a permanent move for him. However, the interest from Newcastle could potentially derail Chelsea’s plans to sign the Atletico Madrid star permanently.