Joao Felix has signed with Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £44.5m. The Portugal forward agreed a six-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.
What happened?
Chelsea secured the services of Joao Felix, who previously played for the club on loan from Atletico Madrid during the 2022-23 season.
The 24-year-old spent almost all of last season on loan from Atletico to La Liga rivals Barcelona.
Tactical fit
Joao Felix's move to Chelsea has surprised many, given the make-up of the Premier League side's squad. He primarily plays as a second striker, but can function as a left-winger or false nine.
He is known for his agility and intelligence in finding space, which suits new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca's emphasis on attacking inside channels.
Season rating
Joao Felix's season rating is 70/100, based on his performance over the last season, using statistics from Sentient Sports' bespoke model.
He averages 1.8 dispossessions and 2.6 miscontrols per 90 minutes, which could be a challenge in games where he is pressed.
What comes next?
Joao Felix will face stiff competition for places within Chelsea's attacking lineup, with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer also preferring to operate in similar half-spaces and central areas.
And his ability to make runs allows him to drift between defenders, creating mismatches that can exploit gaps in the opposition's back line.
But he may struggle when pressed in games, making him susceptible to losing possession.
So Joao Felix's move to Chelsea will be closely watched, as he looks to make an impact and prove his worth.
The Portugal international has 41 caps and has played for several top-tier clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
As of the 2022-23 season, Joao Felix has played in various positions, including second striker, left-winger, and false nine.