It was a matter of minutes between news breaking that Samu Omorodion’s move to Chelsea was collapsing, and the idea that Joao Felix could be heading to Stamford Bridge instead. The negotiations may have taken many by surprise, given the Portuguese spent six months on loan at Chelsea a year ago, with the Blues not making any attempt to keep him.
💣🚨 BREAKING: Conor Gallagher to Atlético Madrid is OFF at the moment. 🏴❌
[🎖️: @marcosbenito9] pic.twitter.com/AsWsTUSwh5
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 12, 2024
The two clubs are now discussing a deal for Felix as part of the Conor Gallagher transfer, as Atletico Madrid do not want that move or their bid for Julian Alvarez to fail, despite deals being agreed for both. Those talks are said to be in ‘key stages’ by Fabrizio Romano, while previous reports say that the two sides are trying to salvage a deal for Omorodion.
🔵 João Félix story exclusively revealed yesterday night, entering into key stages.
Jorge Mendes, still in London to negotiate his potential return to Chelsea… talks remain ongoing.#CFC management wanted to keep João one year ago, he wanted to stay but Pochettino said no. pic.twitter.com/NBxoctvNDW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2024
The reason Chelsea are pursuing Felix now though is that the club were in fact pleased with his efforts two seasons ago, but manager at the time Mauricio Pochettino was less enamoured. His lack of desire to bring Felix back, meant Chelsea did not move for him. Felix clearly did enjoy his time in London, as he has given the green light for a move back to the club.
🚨🔵 João Félix has already said yes to Chelsea return. His agent Jorge Mendes was informed yesterday.
Negotiations ongoing between Chelsea and Atléti, as revealed last night — it’s up to Chelsea now.
↪️⚠️ This is also crucial for Conor Gallagher deal. pic.twitter.com/Y6j3pAMdId
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2024
Atletico had agreed a €45m fee with Chelsea for the 20-year-old Olympic champion, but they feel Felix has a higher market value, and so will demand more money for him. There seems to be a slight lack of clarity on whether Felix’s prospective move would be negotiatated in parallel to Gallagher’s, or as part of the same agreement.
