The Portuguese international forward João Félix traveled to London on Tuesday, underwent a medical examination, and finalized his transfer to Chelsea on Wednesday. He has signed a seven-year contract with the club, returning one year after his initial loan. The transfer from Atlético de Madrid cost Chelsea $53.7 million upfront plus $10.7 million in add-ons, following an agreement reached between the two clubs on Monday.

"From Atlético de Madrid, we wish João Félix the best of luck in his future professional challenges," stated the rojiblanco club on their official website.

"Chelsea is pleased to announce the permanent signing of João Félix from Atlético de Madrid. João has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join his new teammates for training in the coming days," the London club announced.

"I am very happy to be back at Chelsea and cannot wait to start. I see some familiar faces from my last time here, which is always nice. I loved my time here before and told my friends and family that I would love to return to the Premier League someday. Doing that with Chelsea feels great, and I’m excited to be back," the player said to his new club's official media.

Five years after paying $132 million to Benfica for him, João Félix leaves for $53.7 million plus $10.7 million in variables, without having played any games for Atlético since January 8, 2023. He spent time on loan at Chelsea and later at Barcelona. His tenure at Atlético included 131 matches, 84 as a starter, and 23 full games, scoring 33 goals and providing 16 assists. He won LaLiga EA Sports with the team in the 2020-21 season.

João Félix’s departure marks the end of his cycle at Atlético, which, though anticipated, was prolonged as the club lowered its financial expectations, while the player's market value decreased steadily. Initially valued at $132 million, it fell to $53.7 million when he joined Chelsea and then to $32 million upon returning from Barcelona.

In July 2019, after impressing at Benfica, Atlético signed João Félix, presenting him as "pure talent" to replace Antoine Griezmann, who had moved to Barcelona. However, his performance did not meet the high expectations set for him.

While he achieved notable moments, such as winning LaLiga and contributing significantly in the 2021-22 season, inconsistencies and injuries impacted his career at Atlético. Conflicts with coach Diego Simeone further motivated his loan moves, first to Chelsea and then to Barcelona.

At Chelsea, he played 20 matches with 1,188 minutes, 14 starts, four goals, and no assists, failing to secure a permanent deal under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. His loan to Barcelona saw him play 44 matches, starting 24, with ten goals and six assists.

After joining Atlético’s preseason this summer, he played two friendly matches, scoring twice, and was included in the squad for the LaLiga opener against Villarreal. His departure, now finalized, was facilitated by Atlético offering him to Chelsea as part of the transfer deal for Conor Gallagher.

João Félix’s Numbers with Atlético Madrid and Simeone:

- Titles: 1 (LaLiga 2020-21)

- Matches: 131 (96 in LaLiga, 5 in Copa del Rey, 3 in Supercopa de España, 27 in Champions League)

- Minutes: 7,706 (5,242 in LaLiga, 270 in Copa del Rey, 281 in Supercopa de España, 1,913 in Champions League)

- Starts: 84 (55 in LaLiga, 4 in Copa del Rey, 3 in Supercopa de España, 22 in Champions League)

- Full Matches: 23 (12 in LaLiga, 3 in Copa del Rey, 2 in Supercopa de España, 6 in Champions League)

- Goals: 33 (24 in LaLiga, 2 in Copa del Rey, 7 in Champions League)

- Assists: 16 (13 in LaLiga, 1 in Copa del Rey, 2 in Champions League)

- Victories: 65 (54 in LaLiga, 2 in Copa del Rey, 1 in Supercopa de España, 8 in Champions League)

- Draws: 34 (25 in LaLiga, 1 in Supercopa de España, 8 in Champions League)

- Defeats: 32 (17 in LaLiga, 3 in Copa del Rey, 1 in Supercopa de España, 11 in Champions League)