AC Milan’s interest in securing Joao Felix on a permanent basis has been ignited following his impressive debut for the Rossoneri. The Portuguese playmaker’s stunning chip goal against Roma in the Coppa Italia semi-final has left fans dreaming of his long-term future at the San Siro. Calciomercato report that while challenges exist, there are viable paths for Milan to explore in their quest to retain Felix beyond his current loan spell.
Felix joined Milan on a loan deal worth €5 million, including bonuses, until June 30, 2025. The Italian club is covering a significant portion of his wages, with Chelsea contributing a percentage. Due to time constraints during the winter transfer window, no purchase option was included in the agreement. However, Milan’s sporting director Geoffrey Moncada has hinted at future negotiations, stating, “It depends on us and him. There’s always a possibility. We have a really good relationship with Chelsea, we’ll see in the summer.”
Chelsea’s financial position regarding Felix is clear. The Blues acquired him officially on August 21, 2024, as part of a deal involving Gallagher moving to Atletico Madrid. Chelsea valued Felix at €52 million, offering him a six-year contract until June 30, 2030, with an annual salary of €8.14 million. UEFA regulations require amortization over five years, meaning Chelsea would need €41.6 million by June 30, 2025, to avoid a loss on their investment.
Milan have two potential strategies to pursue:
1. Outright Purchase: Milan could aim to buy Felix for around €41.6 million, possibly including a player exchange to offset costs. Potential candidates for such a swap could include Tomori returning to London or Chelsea’s reported interest in Rafael Leao.
2. Extended Loan with Obligation: Alternatively, Milan might negotiate another season-long loan with an obligation to buy set above €31.2 million – the minimum amount Chelsea needs to avoid a loss by June 30, 2026.
The most significant hurdle in any permanent deal will likely be Felix’s wages. His current salary at Chelsea exceeds Milan’s wage structure, necessitating negotiations on personal terms. Ultimately, Felix’s performances on the pitch will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and extent of any future deal.
