Chelsea’s £34 million proposed move for Samu Omorodion has broken down, making way for a potential deal to bring Joao Felix to West London. As reported by El Chiringuito, Omorodion felt disrespected by Chelsea’s wish to procure 50 per cent of his rights, and both clubs understand that a deal for the player is now extremely unlikely.
The Spanish striker, who scored 8 goals in 35 appearances on loan with Alaves last season, is expected to remain at Atletico.
Chelsea have now turned their attention to his teammate Joao Felix. He spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge and is reportedly keen on a return this summer.
Club representatives met with Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, today, hoping to confirm a deal.
Felix scored 4 goals in 16 games during his short spell at Chelsea, initially expressing his desire to stay at the club. Mauricio Pochettino, who arrived in the summer of 2023, was offered the chance to pursue a permanent deal for the Portuguese attacker but turned this down.
As reported by Matt Law, Felix has indicated he would take a wage cut to join the Blues. The Blues have already signed 10 players in this transfer window, including Wolves’ Pedro Neto, for a reported £54 million.
Deals for Omorodion and Felix have impacted the seemingly imminent departure of Conor Gallagher, who was set to complete his move to Madrid over the weekend.
Atletico Madrid posted a photo of a smiling Gallagher on X as he was shown around the Wanda Metropolitano on Friday evening.
The money from the sale of Joao Felix would allow the Spanish side to fund this deal for the England midfielder, especially after their £82 million addition of Julian Alvarez, which was confirmed this afternoon.
Chelsea will hope to resolve these transfers as soon as possible, with the opening match of the new season fast approaching.
They start the 2024/25 campaign at home to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
