“Joao Felix Faces Early Setback at Chelsea: Shirt Number Drama Unfolds”
Joao Felix could face a setback upon his potential return to Chelsea this summer, as his preferred jersey number is already taken.
The Portuguese forward is reportedly nearing a move back to Stamford Bridge, with negotiations said to be in their ‘final stages.’
Chelsea is expected to pay around £40 million for Felix, a fee that is roughly one-third of what Atletico Madrid paid for him in 2019.
The club is fully backing the transfer, offering Felix a substantial six-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
If he remains for the full duration of the contract, Felix would still be with Chelsea into his thirties.
Felix previously spent six months on loan at Chelsea during the 2022/23 season, making 20 appearances and scoring four goals.
However, the number he wore during his first stint at Chelsea is currently taken by Noni Madueke.
In another setback, the number seven shirt, which Felix wore at Atletico Madrid, is also in use, this time by Raheem Sterling.
Sterling’s future at Chelsea is uncertain, though, as he was left out of the squad for the recent loss to Manchester City, with his representatives expressing dissatisfaction.
Chelsea issued a statement regarding Sterling’s absence, stating: “Our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.”
There are suggestions that Sterling might be one of the players Chelsea is looking to offload this summer, with reports indicating he has already been offered to Juventus and Bayern Munich.