Chelsea complete Joao Felix loan signing

Chelsea have completed the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the 2022-23 season.

The Blues will pay Atletico a reported £8.8million to borrow the Portuguese forward for the next six months.

Felix, who joined Diego Simeone’s side in 2019 from Benfica in a deal worth £111million, signed a new deal at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2027 before departing for the Premier League.

The forward made 131 appearances in all competitions for Atletico, scoring 34 goals, recording 18 assists and helping the side lift the Spanish league title in the 2020-21 season.

“Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives,” said the 23-year-old after completing his deal.

“I’m very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge”.

His loan deal with Graham Potter’s side – currently 10th in the top flight – does not include an option to buy at the end of it.

Felix becomes Chelsea’s fourth signing this January. The Blues have already completed deals for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, Molde forward David Datro Fofana and Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos.

Blues boss Graham Potter added: “He [Felix] is a quality player, can make a difference in the final third of the pitch, young but has had good experience. He’s a quality player that gives everyone a lift.”