The only thing that can be determined for sure from the loan deal of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea is that the Portuguese did not do well in the uniform of the Spanish team.
At least not for now, at least not as expected of him.
After all, Atlético made him the most expensive acquisition in its history three and a half years ago at a price of 127 million euros that it transferred to Benfica, it truly believed that it had in its hands the new diamond of world football.
Expectations were very high, there were not bad moments at all, but the overall total of 35 goals in 134 games was too little for Atlético.
This week, after many attempts to maintain this relationship, Diego Simeone's team decided to part (on loan) with their biggest asset.
What is less certain is everything else.
For example, why didn't it succeed at Atlético?
The popular opinion is that from the beginning this combination was destined for failure.
In an article published by the BBC, journalist Guiam Blaga said that Diego Simeone feared that the price tag would weigh on the inexperienced Felix while the player's agents hinted to him that the Argentine coach was not the right man for him professionally.
Felix.
Did not get along with Cholo, photo: EPA
Simeone advocates a defensive and tactical game, while the Portuguese winger is a player who needs offensive freedom of action in order to bring his abilities to light.
Throughout their time together in Madrid, there were several frictions between the player and the coach, frictions that spilled off the field into the interview and media booth.
The player didn't like the coach's methods, the coach didn't like the player's attitude.
When the relationship is like that, no wonder it didn't work out.
Felix completed 90 minutes very few times (only 24 games) and it is clear that Simeone did not see him as a star at any stage.
Even though in the summer the Argentinian announced that the team was going to be "Felix and 10 more" and even complimented the Portuguese for his abilities in the World Cup in the national team's uniform, Simeone gave up on the player in the transfer window.
Felix.
The most expensive acquisition in the history of Atlético, photo: AFP
A successful match?
So is Chelsea a good destination for him?
Again, not sure at all.
Instead of Simeone, Graham Potter will be waiting for him and instead of Atlético, a team in the midst of a crisis will be waiting for him, which was kicked out of the two local cup factories, ranked tenth in the Premier League and which will meet Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
What plays in the 22-year-old midfielder's favor is that Chelsea really need him.
It was not for nothing that she paid 11 million euros for the loan without a purchase option.
The Blues are desperate for exiles.
Only 20 of these were scored by the team in 17 rounds, with Rahim Sterling and Kai Habertz leading the scorers' table with four each.
Now Christian Pulisic is also injured and a significant vacuum has been created into which Felix is supposed to step.
The Portuguese has proven himself in the past that he likes to play as a number 10 behind the striker, but over the years he has played a lot of roles in the front.
That versatility, among other things, attracted Chelsea to pursue him.
His virtues also include a good kick from distance, speed, passing combinations and game vision.
Potter must have been impressed by these aspects when he demanded to join him for the remaining half of the season.
While Chelsea seem capable of providing Felix with the best terms, the question is whether he can provide her with anything in return.
Again, not sure.
The Portuguese comes after three and a half years that left more doubts than conclusions.
He played less than 50% of the possible minutes at Atletico Madrid, never maintained stability and in many cases disappointed professionally.
Chelsea is aware of all these things, but she decided that in her situation and situation it was worth trying to go for it.
Felix.
A new and intriguing station, photo: CHELSEA
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