Milan’s Commitment to Joao Felix
AC Milan have definitively chosen Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward, as a key component of their squad beyond his current loan arrangement. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Felix’s arrival in Milan has been enthusiastically welcomed, and both the player and the club’s directors are convinced that he is a ‘world-class’ talent capable of making a significant impact both on and off the pitch. Felix, who wears the number 79, represents the new direction Milan has taken since the January transfer window, where they focused on acquiring young, high-potential players. While Santiago Gimenez and Warren Bondo were also brought in with an eye on the future, Felix is seen as a present-day star who can help the team compete at the highest levels.
The Beginnings of an Agreement
Due to the rushed nature of the deadline day deal, Milan and Chelsea did not have the time to finalize an option or obligation to buy Felix. However, the club’s management is already planning to initiate discussions to find a way to keep the Portuguese forward at Milanello. The initial loan deal might be extended, this time with an obligation to buy set at around €40m or slightly less, including bonuses. This figure is in line with Chelsea’s investment of €52m to sign Felix in the 2024 summer window, making it a challenging but necessary negotiation. Felix’s goal on his debut in the Coppa Italia against Roma, scored with a chip, has already captured the hearts of Milan fans, setting high expectations for his upcoming matches against Verona and Feyenoord.
Felix’s Potential and Fit
Joao Felix is a player with immense talent, and his arrival in Serie A was facilitated by the efforts of his agent, Jorge Mendes, who recognized how crucial a move to Milan could be in reviving his career. Felix’s underwhelming performances at Chelsea and Barcelona made the move to Milan a strategic one, aimed at regaining the form he demonstrated at Benfica. The club’s history of nurturing great number 10s and placing talent at the forefront of their attacking maneuvers aligns perfectly with Felix’s playstyle. Felix confided to his close associates that he feels at home in the dressing room and the city, and he is optimistic about working with a coach who can help him reach his full potential. Milan fans are already excited to see what Felix can achieve in the coming matches, and the club is banking on his performances to justify their investment.
Theo Hernandez: A Potential Departure
One of the ways Milan intends to finance the potential purchase of Felix is through the sale of Theo Hernandez. Despite ongoing contract discussions, Hernandez has not yet renewed his contract, which is set to expire in 2026. The optimism that the club felt about retaining him has dimmed, and it seems they are now more open to considering offers. Hernandez, while still a valuable player, has not been at his best this season, making his departure a more viable option. The club expects that a suitable offer will come in, allowing them to recoup a significant portion of the funds needed to secure Felix. Milan’s hesitance to renew Hernandez’s contract means they are almost obligated to listen to bids, especially given the player’s current form.
Rafael Leao: A Complex Scenario
Rafael Leao’s situation is more complex. While his performances have been inconsistent, he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Supercoppa final against Real Madrid. Leao, who has a release clause of €175m in his contract, has expressed his love for Milan, turning down a lucrative offer from a Middle Eastern club in the winter. However, if a top-tier club like Barcelona or another European giant makes a compelling offer, Milan will have to reconsider their position. The club values Leao’s contributions, but financial considerations will play a significant role in any decision. The end of the season will likely bring clarity to this situation, and the club will weigh their options carefully.
Financial Strategy and Future Prospects
Milan’s financial strategy to secure Felix is multifaceted. They have already received funds from the departures of Marco Brescianini and Daniel Maldini through resale clauses, and the transfer of Charles De Ketelaere is also expected to bring in a considerable amount. Additionally, the club hopes that Marseille will exercise the option to buy Ismael Bennacer, and that Juventus will keep Pierre Kalulu. In 2026, Galatasaray is anticipated to purchase Alvaro Morata, further boosting Milan’s coffers. These transactions, combined with potential sales of key players like Hernandez and Leao, will be crucial in financing the €40m+ deal for Felix. The club is committed to building a strong, competitive squad, and bringing in a player of Felix’s caliber is seen as a vital step in achieving their goals.
