Zlatan Ibrahimović has revealed that AC Milan are not ruling out the prospect of signing João Félix on a permanent basis once his temporary stint from Chelsea concludes at the end of the campaign.
Félix made a return to Chelsea in a controversial £45 million deal last summer, following a short loan spell at Stamford Bridge earlier in 2023. However, under Enzo Maresca, he found himself in a limited role, often restricted to substitute appearances. This lack of playing time prompted a winter departure to Milan.
The current agreement between Chelsea and Milan does not include a purchase option, and given the substantial sum invested by the Premier League club, acquiring him outright appeared financially challenging for the Italian side.
Potential financial adjustments at Milan
It remains uncertain whether Milan’s financial situation will allow them to pursue Félix permanently. A potential factor that could influence their summer budget is the future of Rafael Leão, who has drawn interest from Barcelona. If the Portuguese forward is sold, it could provide Milan with the resources necessary to negotiate a deal with Chelsea.
Ibrahimović, who operates in a managerial capacity at the club without an official designation following his advisory role, has made it clear that Félix’s future at Milan remains an open question. Speaking to Sky Sport Italy, he stated, “Yes, everything is possible. Right now, we need to make him feel comfortable so he can perform well. He’s playing at a good level, and this is just the beginning. We will discuss it after the season.”
Félix’s impact at Milan and uncertain future at Chelsea
Since joining Milan, the Portuguese attacker has made an immediate impact. He marked his debut by scoring against Roma in the Coppa Italia at the start of February. Following that, he has been included in the starting lineup for four consecutive matches, indicating the coaching staff’s trust in him.
Should Milan be unable to reach an agreement with Chelsea, Félix would return to London, where his future remains uncertain. As long as Maresca remains at the helm, the forward could struggle to reclaim a regular spot in the squad.
Meanwhile, Barcelona reportedly declined an opportunity to bring Félix back due to financial constraints and a lack of squad changes. The player himself also confirmed that he rejected an approach from Inter in favor of signing with Milan, suggesting he is fully committed to his current club for now.
