Enzo Maresca signed Joao Felix in August. (Image: Getty)
He was touted as a rising star of world football, but Joao Felix’s career now appears in limbo after his latest move turned sour. The Portuguese forward is currently at until the end of the season, having joined in February at the end of the transfer window.
In August, he returned to on a permanent deal, with the club paying £42million for his services. The move followed a previous loan stint at Stamford Bridge in 2023 and seemingly paved the way for to head in the other direction. The 25-year-old again struggled to make an impact in the , though, with his game time mainly confined to the .
His misery was cut short in February when he signed for Milan on yet another loan deal. Indeed, he enjoyed the perfect start to life in Italy, scoring on debut in the Coppa Italia win over Roma.
However, no further goals have been scored in his eight appearances since. His performances , and there seems little chance the Rossoneri will pursue a permanent deal.
Joao Felix has struggled since his debut goal for AC Milan. (Image: Getty)
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Felix has already been told he has no future at the Serie A club. As a result, the Benfica product “has his bags packed,” as his fall from grace continues.
To compound fan frustration, the player’s struggles have reflected his current club’s form. Despite beating Lecce 3-2 on Saturday to end a run of three straight league defeats, Milan lie ninth in the table and face a fight to secure European football for next season.
The latest development signifies how far Felix’s star has fallen since he signed for Atletico Madrid for £113m in July 2019. At the time, the deal made him the fourth most expensive player in history and was the second-highest fee paid for a teenager after .
The prospect of him being reintegrated at this summer also appears remote. However, his £130,000-per-week wages, and a contract that runs until 2031, could prove a stumbling block in him leaving again on cut-price deal.