He’s better than Sterling” Chelsea could forget João Felix by signing £25m target
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Chelsea’s Transfer Drama: Sami Omorodion Deal Falls Through
In recent days, Chelsea’s transfer dealings have hit a bump in the road with the collapse of a deal involving striker Sami Omorodion. The young forward was on the brink of joining the Blues for a hefty £35 million fee, but at the last minute, the transfer broke down. Now, rumors are swirling that former loanee João Félix could be making a surprising return to Stamford Bridge.
João Félix: Could He Be Returning to Chelsea?
Félix had a short stint in London during the latter half of the 2022/23 season, where he made 20 appearances and netted four goals. This loan deal didn’t come cheap, costing Chelsea a staggering £9.7 million. After struggling to find his feet at Atlético Madrid, the Portuguese star might make a permanent move to Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca. However, it’s unclear what the cost would be, considering Atlético spent a massive £113 million to bring him on board five years ago.
While Félix could be the next big name in Chelsea’s roster, Maresca’s team may benefit more from signing another forward who is eyeing a move in this transfer window.
Chelsea’s Alternative to João Félix: Federico Chiesa
Although talks surrounding Félix seem to be advancing, Chelsea might want to revisit their previous interest in Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. The Italian star has been informed by Juventus’ new manager Thiago Motta that he’s not in the plans for the upcoming season. This means that Chiesa, at 26 years old, is available for transfer before the window closes on August 30th.
Chelsea, along with other Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, have shown interest in the talented winger. Chiesa had an impressive season last year, scoring nine goals in Serie A. Surprisingly, he’s now being offered for a mere £25 million—a bargain for a player of his caliber in today’s market.
Why Chiesa Could Be a Better Option Than Sterling for Chelsea
Raheem Sterling, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022 for £50 million, hasn’t lived up to the hype. He has managed only 19 goals in 81 appearances since his move, and after a lackluster performance against Leicester City in the FA Cup, fans even booed him off the field. Juventus has recently shown interest in acquiring Sterling, which opens the door for Chelsea to cut ties with the struggling Englishman.
A potential swap deal between Chelsea and Juventus could see Chiesa heading to Stamford Bridge, with Sterling heading the other way. This might be a win-win situation for Maresca’s squad, as Chiesa offers more in attack for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
The Case for Chiesa Over Sterling
Comparing the two players using FBref stats highlights why Chiesa is the stronger option for Chelsea. Despite fewer goals and assists overall, Chiesa outperforms Sterling in crucial metrics like shot-creating actions and shots per 90 minutes. He also boasts a higher success rate in take-ons and puts more shots on target, showcasing his accuracy in front of goal.
For Chelsea’s new boss Maresca, making the right recruitment decisions this summer is critical, especially as the club looks to return to the Champions League. Bringing in Chiesa would not only boost the team’s attacking options but could also free up significant funds if Sterling departs.
Conclusion: Felix or Chiesa?
João Félix has had his chance to shine in London but failed to make a lasting impression. Chelsea might be wiser to shift their focus towards securing Chiesa, a high-quality winger who’s fallen out of favor at Juventus. This could be a savvy move, allowing the Blues to strengthen their squad while also addressing financial considerations by offloading Sterling.
By targeting the right players, Chelsea could be setting themselves up for a strong season ahead and a much-needed return to Europe’s elite competition.
