Koke may have shared Atletico Madrid’s plan for Joao Felix after Chelsea loan

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Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke expects Joao Felix to return to Spain at the end of the season after “getting his rhythm” at loan club Chelsea.

Chelsea and Atletico certainly raised some eyebrows when they announced the signing of Felix on a short-term loan deal.

Clubs usually do not send a key player to another club, let alone their club-record signing.

The Blues also reportedly agreed to pay €11million (close to £10m) in loan fees to Atletico Madrid, in addition to covering 100 per cent of the player’s wages, and reports suggest that there is no buy-option in the deal.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea believe that they would be able to convince Atletico to sell Felix permanently this summer, but without the clause, Atletico can always change their mind.

Felix’s Atletico teammate, Koke, suggested that Atletico are looking forward to Felix’s return.

“They were important players in the team,” the Spain international told Mundo Deportive when speaking about Felix and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

“They took the decision to leave. Joao was loaned out and Cunha was transferred [loan with an obligation to buy].

“These are decisions of each one. Totally respectable.

“Joao is getting into a rhythm of games, he’s gaining confidence to come back here next season. And I wish Cunha all the best.”

Chelsea might have wanted to wait to see how Felix fits in at the club before committing to another lucrative deal.

The reported summer deal with RB Leipzig for Christopher Nkunku might have played a part, too, since he and Felix arguably play a similar role on the pitch.

That said, even if Felix’s spell at Chelsea were to end this summer, it could still be a win-win situation for all parties.

Chelsea get the player they need to help turn their season around, Felix his Premier League experience, and Atletico the development of their most valuable asset.

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