OFFICIAL: Joao Felix returns to Chelsea on a seven-year contract

OFFICIAL: Joao Felix returns to Chelsea on a seven-year contract.

Full announcement: 

Chelsea is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

Joao, an established forward for the Portugal national team, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join up with his new teammates for training in the coming days.

'I'm really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can't wait to get started,' Joao said. 'I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice.

'I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I'd love to return to the Premier League one day. To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I'm excited to be back.'

Joao previously spent time on loan at Stamford Bridge, joining in the winter window and finishing the 2022/23 season in Chelsea blue, scoring four times in 20 appearances.

A skilful and stylish attacker, he can operate in a number of positions and adds attacking versatility and depth to Enzo Maresca's forward options.

The 24-year-old began his career with Benfica in his homeland before switching to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2019 to join Atletico - a record fee for both clubs.

He has won the league title in both Portugal and Spain, as well as earning 41 international caps since making his national team bow in 2019.

Welcome (back) to Chelsea, Joao!