Chelsea: Potter hints at permanent Joao Felix move

The Atletico Madrid loanee has enjoyed significantly more game time since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter has insisted Joao Felix’s performances have been convincing so far at Chelsea.

Felix arrived at Stamford Bridge on a six-month loan deal in January. His performances haven’t been enough to redeem Chelsea’s significant attacking problems.

However, Potter believes the Portugal international’s versatility could be a key factor in his future at the club.

“We are really happy with him. His approach, his ideas are excellent,” Potter said on Tuesday.

“His quality makes things happen. The fact that João can play in a few different positions is good.”

Felix arrived at Atletico Madrid for a club-record fee of €126m in 2019.

He went on to register 34 goals and 18 assists in his 131 appearances during his time in Madrid. However, his struggle for playing time under Diego Simeone convinced Atletico to loan him out to Chelsea in January.

Felix joined Chelsea’s attacking line amid their goalscoring crisis, registering one goal in his four league appearances so far. Widespread reports in English media claim the Portuguese star is keen to continue his career at Chelsea.

According to Fabrizio Romano, there is no buy option in Felix’s loan contract at Chelsea. However, the Blues have decided to negotiate a permanent move with Atletico in June.