MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 16:31:00| >> :60:2411:2411:

Mauricio Pochettino 'does not want Joao Felix at Chelsea'

Pochettino 'does not want Felix at Chelsea'
© Reuters
Chelsea decide not to retain the services of Joao Felix for next season, according to Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.

Chelsea will allegedly make no attempt to retain the services of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

During the January transfer window, the Blues opted to pay a loan fee to complete the temporary signing of the Portugal international in a deal which featured no buy option.

Felix has showed glimpses of his quality during his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in 14 starts and six substitute outings in all competitions.

Although the 23-year-old's numbers are lower than Chelsea have desired, it has remained a possibility that the versatile attacker could stay at the club.

Felix reportedly has no future at Wanda Metropolitano under Diego Simeone, the indication being that another stint in the Premier League could be on the cards.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Mauricio Pochettino on March 20, 2022© Reuters

However, it appears that his time at Chelsea has now come to an end with Atletico president Enrique Cerezo suggesting that the English giants have already been in contact to say that Mauricio Pochettino does not require Felix in his squad.

Speaking to AS, Cerezo said: "Yesterday we had the news that the new Chelsea manager does not [want] Felix.

"We've known for less than 24 hours. He'll come back here and we'll see. We don't have anything planned."

While Felix still has four years left on his contract, Atletico are more likely to be open to a sale or another loan exit than the player being reintegrated back into the senior ranks.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on the bench on October 12, 2022© Reuters

Manchester United and Newcastle United have both been credited with an interest in the frontman, although those links were played down by Felix earlier this month.

From Chelsea's perspective, they are in a position where they must make widespread cutbacks before June 30 in order to comply with FFP criteria.

Opting against trying to keep Felix reduces their squad numbers, with it being claimed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also learned that he has no future at Chelsea.

That said, barring official confirmation, Christopher Nkunku will be moving to the West Londoners in a big-money transfer from RB Leipzig.

ID:515057:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4986:
Written by
Darren Plant

Joao Felix future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Mauricio Pochettino

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023
Read Next:
Joao Felix hints at Chelsea stay despite team's struggles
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!