Joao Felix is definitely a player that divides Chelsea supporters. As an observer on social media, there are constant discussions and debates about whether the Blues should extend his stay at the club next season.
The 23-year-old has four more games remaining of his loan contract at Chelsea after signing for the Blues in the January transfer window. Around £10million was spent on Felix to bring him in temporarily from Atletico Madrid. In his 17 appearances for the club thus far, he has split the Chelsea fan base.
Felix scored his third goal for the Blues on Saturday as Frank Lampard finally got his first win since returning to the club. The Portugal international came off the bench to wrap up the win for the visitors at the Vitality Stadium with a fine finish into the bottom corner. It was an instinctive finish, when he didn't have much time to think about it, which seems to suit him better when he is in front of goal.
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We've seen too many times Felix having loads of time on the ball and the resulting shot not being up to scratch. A lot of supporters have become increasingly frustrated with his lack of end product. If he had that in his game, then we'd be talking about one of the best footballers around because everything else is sensational.
But that lack of end product is the one thing that separates the world-class attacking players from those who are considered 'good'. Felix isn't quite part of that 'world-class' bracket at the moment but there is serious potential there. He's still only 23 despite being around for what seems like an eternity and he still has the potential to develop into a world-beater. Will that be at Chelsea, though?
football.london understands both parties would be keen on extending Felix's stay at Stamford Bridge into next season. The Portugal attacker is very settled in London and has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the club thus far – you can tell that by his celebration on Saturday. The feeling is mutual and Chelsea would like to extend his stay but would be reluctant to pay what Atletico Madrid would demand for him, which could be around £80million according to reports in Spain.
Another loan deal is an option for Chelsea and Felix and perhaps the one that makes sense at this stage. The talented attacker has done well when all things are considered. He's come into a misfiring Chelsea side, one that is devoid of any sort of confidence and has played under three managers in such a short space of time.
Next season, when a new head coach is appointed, and it's looking like Mauricio Pochettino will be that man, may be when you can start fairly judging the former Benfica forward. Like a lot of Chelsea's new signings, it doesn't seem fair to judge them after what has been a disaster of a season.
There doesn't seem too much harm in looking to extend Felix's contract – that's the sensible option for all parties. Go and do that and then we'll discuss the same topic this time next year. Hopefully by then he will be firing in a Chelsea side led by Pochettino that are still fighting for something at this point of the season.
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