Chelsea have officially announced João Félix’s departure on loan to AC Milan, finalizing the move nearly 15 hours after the winter transfer window shut.
The Portuguese forward, who joined the Blues permanently from Atletico Madrid last summer, will now spend the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign in Serie A. This marks his second exit from Stamford Bridge after his initial loan spell in the 2022/23 season. Despite arriving with high expectations, Félix found his opportunities limited under Enzo Maresca, prompting the switch to Milan.
In an official statement, Chelsea confirmed the deal: “Chelsea forward João Félix will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Serie A side AC Milan. The Portugal international has made 20 appearances in all competitions and scored seven goals this season, following his summer move to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid. João will now spend the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign at San Siro, and we look forward to supporting him during his loan spell. Good luck, João!” While Félix showcased his talent in cup competitions, he struggled to secure a regular place in Maresca’s Premier League starting XI, making just three starts in the league.
Maresca had previously addressed the challenge of integrating Félix into his tactical plans. Speaking earlier this month, he explained: “It’s difficult to play him with so many attacking players. If João plays, it means Cole doesn’t play. Or, if João plays, he has to play with Cole together, but it depends on the game. We have three players who are more or less similar: Cole, João, and Christopher Nkunku. Some games they can both play together, but not every game because every game is a bit different.” Despite flashes of brilliance, Félix’s role remained peripheral, making a temporary exit the best option for all parties.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
The move to AC Milan offers Félix a fresh start in a team competing for domestic and European honors. He could make his debut as early as Wednesday in Milan’s Coppa Italia clash against AS Roma, before potentially featuring in their Serie A fixture against Empoli. With Milan looking to strengthen their attack, the 25-year-old will be eager to make an immediate impact at San Siro.
Beyond Félix’s departure, Chelsea were active on deadline day, facilitating several other outgoing deals. French defender Axel Disasi sealed a loan move to Aston Villa, bolstering Unai Emery’s squad for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, England international Ben Chilwell joined Crystal Palace, and Carney Chukwuemeka completed a temporary switch to Borussia Dortmund. Rising talent Caleb Wiley also secured a loan move to Watford, gaining valuable experience in the Championship.
As Chelsea continue to reshape their squad under Maresca, the club’s winter transfer activity underscores a clear strategy of refining the squad’s balance. With the second half of the season underway, the departures of Félix and others will free up opportunities for other squad members to step up. Whether these moves pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, Chelsea have drawn a firm line under their January business.
