João Félix has found himself wrestling with diminishing minutes on the pitch at Chelsea, fueling rumors that the gifted attacking midfielder could soon move elsewhere. The Portuguese forward made his permanent transfer last August for around $57 million. But he’s started only three league matches this season, which is a far cry from what he expected when returning to Stamford Bridge.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has admired Félix for a while, and there are rumors of a last-minute move before the transfer window shuts. For their part, Chelsea still view Félix as an asset, yet the club’s tactical approach restricts his role to one attacking midfield slot.
Dwindling minutes at Chelsea could spark a new chapter at Villa
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea boss, has tried to clarify Félix’s predicament. “The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo (Christopher Nkunku), the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer,” said Maresca. “I am not saying that [Felix will leave], I am not saying that. I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.” With that system in place, Félix and Nkunku remain on the periphery.
Villa, meanwhile, have their own puzzle. They’re also targeting Axel Disasi from Chelsea, but Premier League rules limit clubs to loaning only one player at a time from a top-flight rival. That complicates any potential arrangement with Félix, who might be available on either a loan or permanent deal. Villa’s attacking depth is already evolving with reported interest in other forwards, and it’s not certain the club will risk ignoring other roster needs just to land Félix.
Yet timing is everything. The window’s closing days can bring unexpected breakthroughs, and Emery wants more creativity in the final third. He has stated in the past that he’d gladly welcome Félix under the right conditions. Whether that mutual interest will result in a handshake remains to be seen.
Still only 25, Félix has time to reignite his form, but he needs regular playing opportunities. If Villa can give him that stage, both sides might walk away satisfied. For now, though, the uncertainties of last-minute negotiations hover over the young Portuguese star and a Chelsea outfit trying to manage an overpopulated attack.
