New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino does not want to keep Joao Felix at Chelsea on a permanent deal, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo stated. Felix joined the Blues in January on a six-month loan from Atletico.
Although Felix impressed during his Chelsea tenure, scoring four Premier League goals in 16 appearances, Cerezo remains convinced that the 23-year-old player will return to Atletico at the end of his loan. Shortly prior to his loan deal, Felix signed a new contract with Atletico valid until 2027.
“The news that we received yesterday is that the new manager doesn’t count on him at Chelsea,” Cerezo told reporters. We don’t have anything planned, Joao is an Atletico player for now.”
When previously asked about his future, Felix hinted that his decision to remain at Chelsea would depend on the club’s ability to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Having finished the league season in 12th place, the Blues will not be involved in any European football next season.
Pochettino was revealed as Chelsea’s new manager on Monday after penning a two-year deal with the team. He will be tasked with helping the Blues improve after they endured their worst Premier League campaign to date.
