João Félix left Chelsea once again in the winter transfer window, this time joining AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
After struggling for game time under Enzo Maresca, the Portuguese forward will now have the chance to revive his career in Serie A.
Milan director Zlatan Ibrahimović has revealed how the club moved quickly to secure Félix’s signature, with head coach Sérgio Conceição playing a key role in the transfer.
Félix, who previously spent time on loan at Chelsea during the 2022-23 season, returned to Stamford Bridge permanently last summer in a £35 million deal.
However, despite flashes of quality in cup competitions, he failed to break into Maresca’s first-choice XI, making just three Premier League starts. Chelsea allowed him to leave in January, with Milan paying a £5 million loan fee but with no obligation to buy.
Speaking at Félix’s presentation, Ibrahimović confirmed that Milan had been searching for a player capable of unlocking tight games.
The 24-year-old wasted no time making an impact, scoring a stunning goal at San Siro. Ibrahimović acknowledged his natural talent, emphasizing that Milan will provide the best conditions for him to perform.
We are here to present João Félix, who has already introduced himself at San Siro with a magical goal. He is still young and can continue to grow. We were looking for a player between midfield and attack who could unlock tight games and make a difference. He is a player of magic, and that’s not something you learn. The coach knows him well.”
Ibrahimović emphasized that the club is committed to creating the best conditions for Félix to shine:
“There is no need to explain his quality. We are satisfied; now we need to put him in the best possible conditions to perform at his best.”
The transfer was finalized swiftly, largely due to Conceição’s influence. The Milan boss has a personal connection with Félix and pushed for his arrival, with Ibrahimović admitting that once the decision was made, the negotiations took just minutes.
“When his name came up, we talked about it. Then, when we made the decision, it took us five minutes to finalize everything. Conceição strongly wanted him; he knows him well and is a friend of his son. Once we decided to go for him, things moved quickly. The negotiation was fast.”
Félix himself has already hinted that he would be open to staying in Italy beyond this season. Speaking in February 2025, he said: “I’ve joined AC Milan on loan but if there’s a chance to stay beyond this season… I’d be happy.”
From Chelsea’s perspective, his future beyond this loan remains uncertain, but for now, his chapter at Stamford Bridge is once again on hold.
