Transfer Talk: Premier League or Paris beckons for Felix

Joao Felix could soon be back in the Premier League.

The Atletico Madrid forward, 23, notched four goals in 16 Premier League outings for the Blues after making a surprise temporary switch in January.

And with his future in Spain looking bleak, Felix has reportedly told agent Jorge Mendes to find him a move to a Champions League club.

With Newcastle and Manchester United among those circling, we take a closer look at Felix's situation. 

Highs and lows

Felix's career is still in its early chapters but has already been quite a rollercoaster.

Having made an explosive start in his native Portugal with Benfica, Atleti saw fit to splash out £113million on him in July 2019.

At the time, that was the fourth-highest fee ever paid for a player in world football — but things have not worked out as hoped.

Despite recovering from a rocky start to be named the Spanish side's Player of the Season in 2021-22, his relationship with boss Diego Simeone publicly broke down early last term.

Club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirmed that a January move would be arranged and Felix subsequently made a short-term switch to Stamford Bridge.

Flashes of greatness

In his five months in West London, Felix showed Premier League fans glimpses of his undoubted talent.

After recovering from a debut red card, the speedster frequently looked the brightest attacking outlet in an underperforming Blues side. 

Four goals was a reasonable return given he was deployed in a range of positions, including left wing, attacking midfield and as a second striker.

But it was the 23-year-old's ball-carrying that caught the eye most. 

Felix's ability to glide past players with quick feet and impressive balance was often the starting point of Chelsea attacks in the campaign's closing weeks.

Moving again

New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has opted against trying to bring Felix back to the club permanently having already inherited a bloated squad.

That means the 31-cap international is currently back in Madrid, though it would seem not for too long.

Felix's father spoke to Portuguese outlet Record about his son's future last week.

He explained: "Of course, this situation messes with him, but he has to be calm because things will be resolved one way or another. 

"Where he will go, whatever he decides is good for us. Joao has an agent that deals with this, that is Jorge [Mendes]."

It is understood Felix wishes to play Champions League football next season, with PSG, United and Newcastle all in the race.

Fresh start

All three of those clubs mentioned have the financial muscle to reach an agreement with Atleti should they truly wish to do so.

And while the Spaniards will hope to recoup as much of their huge initial outlay as possible, all parties are clearly aware that cutting ties is the most sensible outcome.

Whoever ends up landing the 2019 Golden Boy winner will need to show patience to a youngster who has clearly had his confidence knocked by a rocky 12 months.

But if he can settle into a new environment with a manager who believes in him, there is nothing to stop Felix still realising his immense potential.