Joao Felix should be one of the big transfer priorities for Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window, this is according to
Football.london journalist Adam Newson.
Chelsea have been linked with moves for Jadon Sancho and Phillippe Coutinho.
But Felix could be a better option for the Blues.
The Portugese joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica last summer, for a £113m, to replace Antoine Griezmann.
The 19-year-old, who was under huge pressure, has struggled to shine at the Wanda Metropolitano, because of injuries.
Felix hasn’t looked entirely comfortable in Diego Simeone’s side and has only six goals and three assists in 24 appearances.
Atletico Madrid have no plans to sell the 20-year-old, but there is supposed interest from Manchester United.
If Felix is on the market, several clubs will be keen. Chelsea would be no exception.
"Let’s get obvious out of the way. Felix is seven years younger than Coutinho, an undoubtedly plus, but as a result has a far smaller back catalogue than the Brazilian," wrote Newson.
"His sole season at Benfica was hugely impressive, though. Felix struck 20 goals and claimed eleven assists in 42 matches. Let’s not forget this was his debut campaign in senior football.
"And while he hasn’t shone at Atleti, there are positive signs. Felix may have only scored 0.25 goals per 90 but his expected goals stands at 0.32. For context, that is the 14th-highest figure among La Liga forwards.
"It’s a similar story for his assists per 90 (0.06) versus his expected goals assisted per 90 (0.15), although that is more of a reflection on his teammates’ finishing ability.
"The above numbers are well off what Coutinho has achieved on loan at Bayern Munich this term, but again context is important."
"He could become Chelsea’s talisman for over a decade. A star whom Lampard builds around. A game-changer long after Coutinho has retired, concluded the journalist."
Source:
Football.london