The Atletico Madrid forward joined the Premier League side on loan in January and played 20 times in all competitions, scoring four goals and recording no assists.
And new manager Mauricio Pochettino has already decided he does not want to complete a permanent deal for the Portuguese star after his £15m loan.
In a ruthless first move, the Argentine has ditched the player Atletico signed for £114m - the fourth-most expensive transfer of all time - in 2019.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed the Blues will not be taking up the opportunity to sign Felix, adding that he will return to the Spanish capital.
'We've known for less than 24 hours. He'll come back here and we'll see. We don't have anything planned.'
The news will come as a significant blow to the gifted 23-year-old, who has spoken openly about his desire to stay in west London and was 'desperate' to continue his career there.
He said: 'I don't know yet my future. But these four, five months, I loved it. It's a top club, everyone in the club was very good to me. My team-mates unbelievable. I really like to be here.'
Felix admitted he prefers the attacking and creative freedom he gets at Chelsea, in a clear dig at defensively minded Atletico boss Diego Simeone.
Though his contract was extended for another four years, until 2027, before his loan deal to the Blues was confirmed, he is out of favour with Simeone and Atletico despite his impeding return.
The club has slapped an £87m price tag on his head and want to recoup that amount before sanctioning a permanent sale this summer. The 30-cap Portugal international has nine goals in all competitions this season: four for Chelsea, five for Atletico.
That tally is similar to his totals in his three previous seasons at Atletico - nine, 10 and 10 - but it is still a disappointing return for someone of such obvious talent and given his huge price tag.
No comments:
Post a Comment