Jose Mourinho pushes Fenerbahce to land $130M star Joao Felix in January
Fenerbahce is aggressively working to secure Joao Felix’s transfer during the January window.
The club’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, has taken a personal role in persuading the Portuguese star to join the Super Lig team.
Felix, who joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a record $130 million transfer fee and later moved to Chelsea, has struggled to secure regular playing time.
Dissatisfied with his limited role, Felix is reportedly open to a move that could provide him with a fresh start under Mourinho’s guidance in the Super Lig.
Jose Mourinho directly convinces Felix to consider Fenerbahce transfer
Mourinho, known for his influence and strategic approach, has actively reached out to Joao Felix to encourage him to join Fenerbahce.
Reports from Spanish media outlets indicate that Mourinho assured Felix he would regain his confidence and competitive spirit by playing a pivotal role in the team. Mourinho emphasized that regular playing time at Fenerbahce could help Felix rebuild his career and return to top form.
Joao Felix’s potential transfer is part of Fenerbahce’s strategy to strengthen their squad. The club began the year trailing Galatasaray by eight points in the Super Lig standings and sees this move as a critical step to close the gap and improve their chances in domestic and international competitions.
Fenerbahce opens discussions with Chelsea to finalize the loan move
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, has initiated talks with Chelsea’s management to negotiate the terms of the loan deal. Branco has been in contact with Chelsea’s sporting director, Paul Winstanley, to explore the feasibility of the transfer.
According to reports, the final decision on Joao Felix’s future rests with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who will determine whether the player will remain at Stamford Bridge or be loaned out.
If Maresca approves the loan, Fenerbahce is prepared to move swiftly to finalize the agreement. Sources suggest that Felix could arrive in Istanbul and sign the contract by the end of January.
Joao Felix’s challenges at Chelsea and his need for a fresh start
Joao Felix, who joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a record $130 million transfer fee, moved to Chelsea on loan in January 2023.
Despite high expectations, he struggled to secure a consistent role at Stamford Bridge. In August 2024, Felix made a permanent move to Chelsea for a reported €52 million fee, but his performances this season have remained underwhelming.
Most of his success has come in the UEFA Conference League, where Chelsea often fielded reserve players. In the Premier League, Felix has only managed 293 minutes of playing time across two starts, highlighting his marginal role in the squad.
Felix’s dissatisfaction with his limited opportunities has reportedly fueled his desire for a transfer. Reports suggest Chelsea is considering either a loan move or placing him on the transfer list, with Fenerbahce emerging as a potential destination to revive his career.
Fenerbahce hopes to reignite Felix’s career under Mourinho’s guidance
The potential move to Fenerbahce offers Felix a chance to reset his career. Jose Mourinho’s hands-on coaching style and experience with top players could provide the environment Felix needs to rediscover his potential.
Jose Mourinho believes that Joao Felix can thrive as a central figure in Fenerbahce’s lineup and regain the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
By bringing in a high-profile player like Felix, the club aims to bolster its attacking options and energize its supporters as they push for a stronger finish this season.