AC Milan have confirmed that they have signed Joao Felix from Chelsea on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
Despite re-joining the Blues in a £46.3m deal in August, it has been widely claimed for a number of weeks that Felix has been open to a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
That is a consequence of just three starts coming in the Premier League, his return of seven goals from 20 appearances in all competitions not enough to convince Enzo Maresca to hand him more opportunities.
During the closing week of the winter transfer window, Aston Villa and AC Milan emerged as the most likely destinations for the Portugal international.
Creativity, flair and pure talent 🤩
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 4, 2025
Bem-vindo, João 🇵🇹💫#DNACMilan #SempreMilan
Milan announce Felix arrival
On deadline day, it was suggested that Felix was already in Italy awaiting the green light to complete a loan switch to the Rossoneri for the remainder of 2024-25.
That has now been confirmed by Milan, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano alleging that the Serie A outfit will be paying a loan fee in the region of £5m.
Although Milan are also expected to be paying the majority or all of Felix's wages, it is unclear whether a purchase option has been included.
Felix links up with compatriot Sergio Conceicao, who has recently been appointed as head coach of Milan with the pair also sharing the same agent in Jorge Mendes.
Conceicao had already brought in Manchester City defender Kyle Walker and Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez as he bids to turn around Milan's fortunes.
Despite qualifying for the last 24 of the Champions League, Milan are only eighth in the Serie A table, seven points adrift of fourth position.
© Imago
What squad number will Felix wear at Milan?
Since joining Atletico Madrid in 2019, Felix has worn a range of squad numbers in seven, 11, 14 and 18 at the Spanish side, Barcelona and Chelsea.
On this occasion, though, the 25-year-old will return to a number from the past, wearing the 79 that he donned while at Benfica.
He was prevented from wearing that number in La Liga due to regulations stating that numbers must be between one and 25.
Darren Plant
