Atletico Madrid have named their squad for their season opening La Liga match against Villarreal later tonight, and it surprisingly includes Joao Felix. We say this is surprising, because the Joao Felix returning to Chelsea narrative has progressed well beyond just simple speculation now.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano just posted a new update, a few minutes ago, and you can see that below.
?? EXCL: Chelsea are closing in on Joรฃo Fรฉlix deal! Talks are at final stages to get it sealed soon.
Verbal agreement almost done with Atlรฉtico, final details on structure being completed.
TOTAL agreement with Joรฃo on personal terms as he wants #CFC return.
Almost there. pic.twitter.com/J9lqX4GzBO
โ Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2024
The 24-year-old Portugese forward spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Chelsea, and obviously, it was a good fit for all involved.
Felix has already agreed personal terms, and if the talks are indeed in final stages, then this should all get wrapped up soon.
Joao Felix, who scored four times while making 16 appearances for Chelsea, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he scored seven times in 30 appearances.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor ofย The Sports Bank.ย Heโs also theย author of โTransatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,โ andย โNo, I Canโt Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.โ
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow himย on Linked In and Twitter.