Why Chelsea’s move for Samu Omorodion collapsed and attention shifted to Joao Felix

Chelsea’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion has fallen through, according to The Athletic.

The Blues had agreed to a £34.5 million (€40m) deal with the La Liga side for Omorodion.

The 20-year-old was expected to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with an option for an additional year.

However, the transfer has been called off due to significant issues in finalising Omorodion’s contract.

In response, Chelsea have now made an inquiry to Atletico regarding the possibility of signing Joao Felix.

Earlier, in June, Chelsea had a €32.5 million (£27.4m) plus add-ons offer for Omorodion rejected.

Omorodion spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves, where he scored nine goals and provided one assist, helping the team to a 10th-place finish in La Liga.

Chelsea has considered several striker targets this summer, and any deal for Omorodion was separate from ongoing negotiations with Napoli concerning Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen, which are expected to continue.

Omorodion was born to Nigerian parents, however, he has pledged his international allegiance to Spain.

He has been called up to both their under-19 and under-21 national teams.

Chelsea have now switched attention João Félix and have already opened discussions with Atlético Madrid about the possibility of signing the Portuguese forward, according to The Athletic.

Recent weeks have seen both clubs in frequent contact, having already concluded separate deals for Conor Gallagher and Samu Omorodion.

Chelsea’s interest in Félix follows the collapse of Omorodion’s proposed transfer to Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.

Gallagher is still expected to complete his move to the Madrid club in the coming days.

Félix previously spent six months on loan at Chelsea, where he scored four goals in 16 appearances during the second half of the 2022-23 season.

The Portugal international is under contract with Atlético until June 2029 but has fallen out of favor with head coach Diego Simeone.

The 24-year-old has been granted an extended summer break following his participation in Euro 2024 to help him decide on his future.

Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Aston Villa have also shown interest in signing Félix, with head coach Unai Emery a long-time admirer of the forward’s abilities.

Atlético acquired Félix in the summer of 2019 for €126 million (£113m) – at the time, the fourth-highest transfer fee in football history – after a standout season at Benfica where he scored 20 goals.

After three challenging years at Atlético, Félix joined Chelsea on loan in January 2023.

However, the Premier League side chose not to make the move permanent last summer.

He then spent the entire 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona, netting 10 goals in 44 appearances.

Félix has made 41 appearances and scored eight goals for Portugal in all competitions.

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