
<p>João Félix has officially signed for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> on loan. The Portugal international will, however, just be at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the current campaign. Chelsea snatched up Felix in a $11.8 million move, while also covering his salary during his time with the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> club. This brings the total cost of the forward to just over $18 million for about five months on the pitch.</p>



<p>Upon making the switch to Chelsea, Felix spoke about the opportunity. “Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives,” <a href="https:\/\/www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/joao-felix-recruited-on-loan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Felix. “I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge.”</p>



<p>Blues boss Graham Potter also talked about the impact of having Felix on his team. “He is a quality player, and he will make a difference in the final third of the pitch. He is young, but has really good experience. The signing gives everybody a lift,’ Potter told reporters at a <a href="https:\/\/www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/potter-reacts-to-the-signing-of-joao-felix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press conference</a> on Wednesday.</p>



<p>“He is a good age and he can play as a second striker between the lines and making a difference in the final third. We are looking forward to working with him.”</p>



<h2>Injuries force Chelsea to grab João Félix on loan</h2>



<p>Potter also acknowledged the fact that injuries in his squad may have propelled the move for Felix. “We have been aware of it for a while, these things do not happen quickly. Maybe the injuries have sharpened the focus a little bit. It is nice to get him here, get him training today and it is positive for us,” claimed the coach.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">João Félix to Chelsea, here we go! Full verbal agreement reached, loan move on €11m fee with 100% salary covered by Chelsea. 🚨🔵 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Before leaving, JF will extend contract with Atléti until 2027.<br><br>João will fly to London in the next hours to undergo medical tests and sign. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/F5aYKMgspa">pic.twitter.com/F5aYKMgspa</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1612784167070179328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Félix’s long-term future still with Atletico Madrid?</h5>



<p>Prior to signing for Chelsea, Felix extended his contract with <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atletico-madrid-tv-schedule/">Atletico Madrid</a>. The Spanish giants previously paid about $135 million for Felix back in 2019. However, the Portuguese player hasn’t exactly fulfilled his potential in Spain just yet. Atleti manager Diego Simeone has even benched the star throughout the campaign. In fact, Felix has started just 10 out of a possible of 21 matches in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> play this season.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the player has extended his contract, so he will return to Spain in June. Felix will be hoping to show Simeone and Atleti what they’re missing during his time in London. Rumors have also surfaced that Simeone could be out as Atleti manager this summer. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


Chelsea have signed João Félix in a mammoth five-month loan deal, but there is no option to buy, and he will return to Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea signs João Félix on short-term loan deal


<p>João Félix may not join Arsenal nor Manchester United, with Chelsea emerging late to land the Atletico Madrid forward. For weeks, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-and-man-united-battle-for-joao-felix-20221229-WST-413718.html">Arsenal and Manchester United</a> looked like the top two suitors to acquire the Portuguese. However, a late swoop by Todd Boehly and Graham Potter may bring in the talent.</p>



<p>According to <em><a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/4072188/2023/01/09/chelsea-transfer-news-joao-felix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a></em>, João Félix has a verbal agreement with Chelsea to join the Stamford Bridge side on loan for the remainder of the season. David Ornstein reports that Chelsea will pay Atletico Madrid around $11 million for the half-season loan. This figure is below what <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/atletico-madrid-reportedly-ready-to-hear-offers-for-joao-felix-20221104-WST-406885.html">Atletico originally wanted</a>. However, it appeared no Premier League club <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/16-million-loan-fee-for-joao-felix-may-be-stumbling-block-20230102-WST-414121.html">wanted to pay that much</a> for Félix.</p>



<p>Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the link between the two sides. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea are now in advanced talks to sign João Félix from Atlético Madrid on loan until June. Deal at final stages — no buy option clause discussed. 🚨🔵 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Fee will be more than €10m with salary covered and taxes. Talks accelerated after injuries and last game. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/68q0hnG9CR">pic.twitter.com/68q0hnG9CR</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1612479152384315392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Romano added that Chelsea had an increased desire to land a top-tier forward after a number of factors. For one, Chelsea is out of form with goals drying up offensively. Most recently, Chelsea suffered a 4-0 loss against Manchester City in the FA Cup after losing 1-0 to City midweek in the League.</p>



<h5>Out of form Blues</h5>



<p>That loss to City compounded a terrible run of form in the league. Chelsea has one win and one draw over its last seven league games. Over that time, Chelsea scored just four goals while conceding nine. As a result, Chelsea sits 10th in the table with a trip to seventh-spot Fulham next on the schedule.</p>



<p>Moreover, Chelsea is out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Manchester City hammered Chelsea in both competitions at the Etihad. Therefore, the only thing Chelsea has going for it is the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea is in the round of 16, and faces a tie against Borussia Dortmund.</p>



<p>These struggles are the result of a number of factors. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/30/todd-boehlys-consortium-complete-chelsea-takeover/">New ownership</a> is one distraction. Also, the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/08/graham-potter-arrives-at-chelsea-to-finalize-move/">arrival of Graham Potter</a> makes things hard for players. Potter thrived at Brighton, and he is still implementing his tactics at Stamford Bridge. However, countless injuries bar any consistency on the team sheet.</p>



<h2>João Félix answers some Chelsea injury woes</h2>



<p>As Fabrizio Romano pointed out, Chelsea accelerated the talks with Atletico Madrid after a number of recent injuries. Right now, Chelsea could assemble a strong XI made solely out of players on its <a href="https:\/\/www.premierinjuries.com/teams/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">injury report</a>. Edouard Mendy, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, N’golo Kante and Ruben Loftus Cheek all have considerable injuries.</p>



<p>However, João Félix is there to fit in up top, where Chelsea is noticeably absent on names. <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1611095092894355474" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian Pulisic</a>, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all have injuries. Therefore, João Félix can slide right in to play a role in Graham Potter’s team.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pressinphoto</em></p>


João Félix has a verbal agreement to join Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season, knocking United and Arsenal out of his running.

Chelsea close to landing João Félix on loan

<p>Today we wrap up our “Three Questions” series with the defending MLS champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy. &nbsp;By any definition, they were the best team in MLS last season: they convincingly led the Supporters Shield’s race most of the season, looked like the best team in the playoffs, and won the MLS Cup. &nbsp;They did it with glitz and&nbsp;glamour&nbsp;(the three&nbsp;designated&nbsp;players) as well as grit and determination (best defense in MLS, good midfield play). &nbsp;In the end, they were possibly the most complete and dominant team in “modern” MLS history.</p>
<p>But the page on the calendar has turned and the team is facing a new set of challenges in 2012. &nbsp;Even with the good news of <a href="http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16367775.stm" target="_blank">David Beckham’s return</a>, there have been some dark clouds this offseason that will push the team to see if it can repeat the success of 2011. &nbsp;Let’s take a look at the three questions that will define the rest of this offseason for LA:</p>
<p>(Additionally, use the comments section to give some feedback on the Three Questions series. &nbsp;Was it something you enjoyed? &nbsp;Was it something you’d like to see repeated or emulated during the season?)</p>
<p><strong>1. Will the midfield be as strong as it was last season?</strong></p>
<p>Casual soccer fans know about “bend it like Beckham” but the Galaxy midfield in 2011 was a key to their ability to create offense seemingly out of nothing. &nbsp;Whether it was Beckham’s storied free kicks or Juninho’s timely goals, the midfield came through in the clutch when it was needed. &nbsp;That midfield will look different beginning next season. &nbsp;Although there’s still a chance he may be loaned again to LA, Juninho has been <a href="http:\/\/espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/13299/galaxy-juninho-gone-gonzalez-going" target="_blank">recalled by Sao Paulo</a> and will leave a gap in the “clutch goal scorer” category. &nbsp;Miguel Lopez has also seen <a href="http:\/\/espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/13772/galaxy-lopez-returns-to-quilmes" target="_blank">his loan end</a> with LA and he has been called back to his home club of Quilmes.</p>
<p>The team has tried to replace Juninho with <a href="http:\/\/www.sbnation.com/soccer/2011/12/21/2651985/rumor-mill-la-galaxy-transfer-rumors" target="_blank">Marcelo Sarvas</a>, but the 30 year old is arguably a step down offensively. &nbsp;Having Beckham back does help cover this loss, but the team needs to take some steps to shore up a midfield that helps cover for a weaker forward position.</p>
<p><strong>2. Can the defense do it again?</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="http:\/\/sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ycn-10803189" target="_blank">loss of Omar Gonzalez hurts</a>, badly, <del>but in the “silver lining” category he will be able to return at some point for the Galaxy this season, it looks like</del>&nbsp;(<strong>update</strong>: no silver lining, folks, <a href="http:\/\/www.lagconfidential.com/2012/1/11/2700656/arena-doesnt-expect-gonzalez-back-until-end-of-2012-la-galaxy" target="_blank">he’s gone for the whole season</a>). &nbsp;However, the team may need to spend some money on a replacement, or focus their drafting on this position. &nbsp;Bruce Arena also looked to keep key components of his defense by <a href="http:\/\/www.lagalaxy.com/news/2011/12/la-galaxy-re-sign-three-players-ahead-2012-season#.TvS-QaAWNbw.twitter" target="_blank">re-signing Sean Franklin</a>, another defender who should be receiving more love from the USMNT. &nbsp;The keeper position also lost a little depth with the expensive Donovan Ricketts moving to Montreal, but the back-up duo of Nick Noble and U-23 player Brian Perk look quality.</p>
<p>This defense was incredibly dominant last season, and even with Gonzalez it would have been a challenge to repeat their suffocating style. &nbsp;With him gone for the<del> first half of the</del> season, seemingly, can the Galaxy&nbsp;approach&nbsp;the greatness they achieved last season a second year in a row?</p>
<p><strong>3. How big of a role will the three designated players play this season?</strong></p>
<p>Beckham is back, and he will be with the Galaxy a little longer. &nbsp;But that will be contractually, and how much he is physically there is an important question for a team that already suffered a hit in midfield. &nbsp;He will be playing in the Olympics and will miss time for that, as well as the usual jaunts across the pond. &nbsp;With a longer schedule that adds two CONCACAF Champions League tournaments, how much will he contribute during the season?</p>
<p>Then there’s Landon Donovan, who is finally getting another chance to play in England. &nbsp;He likes Everton, the team needs him, and we know his deal is only for a few months. &nbsp;But can the best known American MLS player force a longer loan or transfer if he wants to stay? &nbsp;My bet is yes. &nbsp;Regardless, the Galaxy will be without his services for stretches this summer as he reports to the national team for friendlies and qualifying.</p>
<p>Robbie Keane looks to be enjoying his time in LA, but with a<a href="http:\/\/msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/robbie-keane-set-for-aston-villa-loan-move-los-angeles-galaxy-010912" target="_blank"> loan to Aston Villa</a> and his Euro 2012 commitments, will his 31-year old legs be able to handle the travel and numerous competitions in which he will be competing?</p>


ALL POSTS TAGGED "loan"

Atletico Madrid

Chelsea signs João Félix on short-term loan deal

Atletico Madrid

Chelsea close to landing João Félix on loan

LA Galaxy

Three Offseason Questions for the Defending Champs: LA Galaxy