Joao Felix’s arrival at AC Milan was greeted with some enthusiasm, but less than a couple of months later his fate already seems sealed.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning that in a parallel world, Sergio Conceiçao’s Milan turned a corner with the winter transfer window, thanks also to the signing of Felix on loan from Chelsea. In the real world, the opposite is true.
If the reality had been better, today we would be talking concretely about the possibility of keeping the Portuguese forward at Milan in the seasons to come. Instead, after a bright start, the fire seems to have gone out, not that he is the only one.
Double thread
Conceicao pushed for the signing of his compatriot in January. It goes without saying that with a change of coach, Joao’s chances of staying at Milan would be practically zero.
Conceiçao and Felix share the same agent, the very powerful Jorge Mendes, who was fundamental in planning the operation that on the last day of the transfer market had brought him from Chelsea on a dry loan.
The agreements were clear from the beginning: if Joao Felix had contributed to Milan’s success, with Conceiçao consequently confirmed, negotiations with the Blues would then have started for a new loan and this time with an option or obligation to buy.
Things, however, did not go very well from there. Conceiçao, barring any sensational surprises, will not be the coach of Milan in 2025-26 and, therefore, Felix will likely clear out his Milanello locker.
Current events
This is also because, despite his bond with the coach, the Portuguese starlet has sat on the bench in Milan’s last two outings against Lazio and Lecce, only coming on during the game.
Was it a tactical/fitness-based choice, or the verdict of failure? Only Conceicao truly knows. Felix has had some physical problems in the past weeks, but the manager had decided to always rely on him, generating some grumbling among the fans.
Since the goal against Roma on debut in the cup, Felix has not been able to make an impact with a goal or an assist, although some numbers unexpectedly rewarded his performances.
Since his arrival, Joao has been number one at Milan for successful dribbles, fouls suffered in the final third of the pitch and shots towards the opponent’s goal.
Luck was lacking and Conceiçao has decided to use him as a weapon from the bench, perhaps banking on the fact that – when the opponents suffer from tiredness – the technical quality of the ex-Benfica man can emerge.
In Lecce it worked, as he had a hand in the own-goal that made it 2-1. Could this be the incident that marks a turning point? Even if the story between Joao and Milan seems to be already in the final credits, there can always be a happy ending. Maybe with a trophy, the Coppa Italia.
We try him from the start of the season he is a good player
A misplaced shot turned own goal is not a sure sign of his change in form. He should be paying futsal, kudos to is agent for getting these deals and opportunities for him.
In terms of earnings his agent worked miracles.
In terms of sporting career his value is so overinflated that he probably will never be able to settle down and grow.
This writer is absolutely no brain journalist. Garbage writer. What has Felix done wrong?
He improved Milan so why castigating a player who hasn’t spent two months?
Some times when there’s nothing to write some baby writers will just come up with rubbish
imho, he hasnt done anything particularly wrong. But he hasnt done anything great either. I’d say the real problem is where does he fit? .He isnt a CF, so that’s out of the question. Do you bench/Play our of position your best player in Puli? Or perhaps arguably your most talented in Rafa? or perhaps move out of position our best midfielder in Tiji? … OR, has Conceicao did, Play all of them with Puli, Rafa and Tiji out of their most performing position, i.e Rafa and Puli on the wings, Tiji as a CAM (ish) in order to accommodate Felix’s skill set, while at the same time leaving our defense even more exposed as the only midfielder to defend is Fofana. That’s the problem. We move out of position the few pieces that were kind of working, Puli, Rafa and Tiji. Sure he is talented, but much like James Rodriguez, he needs a specific, solid system around him to shine. We have neither, a system, nor a solid anything. lol
I for one had high hopes for him. I think he came at the wrong time when the team needed players who could contribute immediately. No harm in extending his stay for one more season though, a good pre season might just do the trick…
His career is almost over to be honest. Turning 26 this year and still seems so lost in every aspect.
One of the Extremely overrated players ever…
Felix’s problem are psychological. Just like Leao’s inability to take his game to the next level. Milan doesn’t need two players with psychological handicaps.
Compared to Felix, Leao at least produces in some capacity. Whereas Felix is a dud and instead of producing something just gets in the way of others on the field.
Yea, it’s wild to see some people say he should stay. What matches are they watching? The number one reason he needs to go is that he takes up the space for Tiji and Puli that’s it end of discussion, he goes. To get away with that, he’d need to produce 40 goal contributions which is what Puli and Tiji have together (40+ really).
Yes send him back to Chelsea
I don’t think management should proceed with this gamble. He’s doesn’t seem worth it at all so far.
Like most who arrive then leave, he’s not had a fair chance….
Must be women running ACM, want a quick fix for everything…😜
Incel.