Joao Felix Not Wanted By New Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino

Joao Felix will not play for Chelsea next season. Felix will return to Atletico Madrid after his loan deal ends. Mauricio Pochettino did not want to keep him.

Chelsea will not sign Portugal forward Joao Felix on a permanent basis this summer.

The 23-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid on a short-term deal in January when Chelsea paid the Spanish club a loan fee in the region of $12 million.

Felix made 20 appearances for Chelsea, scoring four goals and playing under three different managers.

Joao Felix will not play for Chelsea next season :: IMAGO/Action Plus/Shaun Brooks

But Mauricio Pochettino, who will become the fifth Chelsea manager in 10 months on July 1, is apparently not interested in retaining the services of Felix.

The player will therefore return to Atletico, where he has another four years remaining on his current contract.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo told AS this week: "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."

Atletico paid Benfica around $140m when they signed Felix in 2019.