Joao Felix, once hailed as a generational talent and among the most expensive players in football history, appears to be facing yet another rejection. After just two months at AC Milan, reports suggest the Italian club has already lost patience with the Portuguese forward, adding to an already turbulent career.
A €120 Million Burden
Back in 2019, Atletico Madrid shattered expectations by signing Felix from Benfica for over €120 million, still the fifth most expensive transfer of all time. At just 20 years old, he was seen as the future of European football, a dynamic forward destined for superstardom. However, instead of becoming Atletico’s next icon, Felix quickly found himself struggling to justify his price tag.
While flashes of brilliance occasionally appeared, he never truly adapted to Diego Simeone’s rigid tactical system. By 2023, Atletico had seen enough. Loans to Chelsea and Barcelona followed, but neither stint revitalized his reputation.
Madrid, London, Barcelona, and Back Again
Felix’s time at Chelsea last season was forgettable—16 games, just four goals, and no real impact. Yet, in a surprising move, Chelsea still opted to bring him back, this time on a permanent €52 million transfer. It quickly became clear that was a mistake. In the current Premier League campaign, Felix has barely featured, managing just 363 minutes on the pitch with a single goal and one assist.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
With no place at Stamford Bridge, he was shipped off on loan once more, this time to AC Milan. The move was supposed to be a fresh start, a chance to finally rediscover his form. Instead, it has only deepened his struggles.
AC Milan’s Patience Wears Thin
Milan’s faith in Felix seems to have already run out. In ten Serie A matches, he has contributed just one assist. His only goal for the club came in the Coppa Italia, while his performances in the Champions League knockout round against Feyenoord were underwhelming. The Italians crashed out against the Dutch side (0-1, 1-1), and Felix’s display did little to convince Milan to extend his stay.
According to reports from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Milan has no intention of negotiating a permanent deal for Felix. While there was never a mandatory buyout clause in his loan agreement, the club had the option to pursue a transfer. That now seems off the table.
Read also: Ranking - 11 Football Stars Who Played for Europe's Biggest Clubs but Never Won the Champions League"
