Chelsea have finalised the signing of Atletico Madrid’s attacking midfielder Joao Felix.
Felix, 24, previously spent six months on loan with Chelsea during the 2022/23 season.
He now returns to Stamford Bridge on a permanent transfer for a fee in the region of £44.5 million.
The Portugal international underwent a medical with Chelsea on Tuesday and has signed a six-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Last season, Felix was on loan at Barcelona, where he scored ten goals and provided four assists in all competitions.
His arrival at Chelsea facilitates Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid.
This transfer window has been particularly active for Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Felix is the club’s 10th summer signing, following acquisitions of Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Joao Felix began his professional career with Benfica, making a significant impact during the 2018/19 season with 20 goals in 43 appearances for the Primeira Liga side.
He then completed a high-profile £113 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, the fourth highest transfer fee ever paid, behind Philippe Coutinho, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar.
However, Felix has struggled to justify that substantial transfer fee in the years since and will be eager to rejuvenate his career in the Premier League.
“I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can’t wait to get started,” Felix said.
“I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice.
“I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I’d love to return to the Premier League one day.
“To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I’m excited to be back.”
He added: “I’ve developed as a player in a lot of ways: the perception of the game, and the spaces the ball can arrive easily where I can make more impact.
“I try to figure it out by watching some videos of me of my games.
“I’ve kind of changed since I was last here. I’m 24 now. I’ll be 25 in November.
“I feel like I grew up as a player. That’s normal with age. I’m more prepared for the Premier League.
“I feel like my best years are ahead of me. I have no doubt about that.
“The best years are still to come.
“And this year is going to be a good year, because now I am permanently at home, and I can enjoy home.”
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