“He will leave the club” – Chelsea will allow £50m “leader” to go if Joao Felix joins
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Transfer Shuffle: Felix In, Sterling Out?
Felix’s Potential Return to Stamford Bridge
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea might let a key player leave if they secure Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. After the collapse of the Samu Omorodion deal, Chelsea is now in talks to bring back Felix, who had a loan spell with the Blues in the 2022/23 season. This move comes as Chelsea shifts focus from Omorodion to another Atletico star.
The Impact on Conor Gallagher’s Future
Enzo Maresca and his team had lined up a deal for Omorodion, with a seven-year contract on the table. As part of a separate arrangement, Conor Gallagher was set to join Atletico, but Omorodion’s move fell through. This collapse has left Gallagher’s transfer in uncertainty, as Atletico will not receive the £35 million fee they expected for Omorodion. This sum was intended to fund Atletico’s £34 million deal for Gallagher. With the Omorodion transfer stalling, Chelsea is exploring alternative solutions and has started talks to sign Felix.
Interest from Aston Villa
Felix has also caught the eye of Aston Villa this transfer window. However, it seems more likely that the Portuguese international will make a Premier League return with Chelsea. Last season, Felix was on loan at Barcelona, where he scored seven goals and provided three assists in 30 La Liga appearances. He also impressed in the Champions League with three goals and one assist in nine matches. Chelsea fans are keen to see if the club can bring back a former player while resolving Gallagher’s future.
Sterling’s Potential Departure
The arrival of Felix could also impact Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea. If Felix joins, Chelsea is reportedly willing to let Sterling leave. Signed for £50 million two years ago, Sterling could be allowed to find a new club if the deal with Atletico for Felix goes through. Although Sterling found himself on the bench during the latter part of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, Conor Gallagher has praised him as a “leader” within the squad.
Gallagher on Sterling’s Leadership
Gallagher spoke highly of Sterling, saying, “He’s brilliant, a really nice guy, and a top player, as you can see from his career.” He added that Sterling is “a leader at Chelsea,” emphasizing his professionalism and mental strength. Gallagher noted that Sterling played a crucial role in Chelsea’s win against Burnley and highlighted his importance in mentoring younger players.
Sterling’s leadership and experience are valuable assets for Chelsea, especially with a squad full of young talent. While his future at the club remains uncertain, his contributions on and off the pitch are well-regarded. As Chelsea navigates this transfer window, fans will be watching closely to see how these potential moves unfold.
