Former Chelsea star Joao Felix could make shock Premier League return and there’s a clear favourite to sign him

Joao Felix could make a shock return to the Premier League according to sensational reports. The Portugal international still has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2027 but does not appear to have a future at the club. In recent times has been loaned out to both Chelsea and Barcelona, spending the 2023/24 campaign at the Blaugrana and scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances.

But Felix could well be back in English football next season as per the latest developments regarding his future. Advert The Guardian say that Felix is a target for Aston Villa ahead of an exciting season in the Champions League next season. Unai Emery’s side finished fourth last season and qualified for Europe’s elite club competition.

They have already been extremely busy in the market, with Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, Ross Barkley and Jaden Philogene all coming in. But with Moussa Diaby moving to Al Ittihad for £50.5 million, the west Midlands club have their eyes on Felix.

Emery is a fan of Felix and likes his versatility. The money required to do a deal for the 24-year-old has not been disclosed but Atletico will almost certainly make a substantial loss on the record £114 million they paid to sign him in 2019. Felix has not quite realised his potential in the Spanish capital and a had brief spell on loan at Chelsea in the second half of the 2022/23 season.

The Blues paid £9.7 million and Felix made 20 appearances, scoring four times in all competitions. Felix’s former club Benfica are also in the mix and sporting director Rui Costa has claimed talks are happening.

“Negotiations are ongoing. They should not be discussed publicly,” Costa said, as per Relevo. “What we want are good players and if we can get players who also know the place and Portuguese football, that’s an advantage. “Many names have been mentioned, but at the moment, it is all just speculation.”