Can Joao Felix play against Fulham? Chelsea loanee’s situation explained after transfer completed

Chelsea have completed their latest signing, snapping up Portuguese superstar Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

The Blues have been in serious need of new attacking talent, and they have opted for a temporary option, with Felix joining on a loan deal until the end of the season. Felix had fallen out with Atletico boss Diego Simeone, and he arrives in West London with a point to prove, likely to get plenty of opportunities to impress with a Chelsea side needing to turn their season around.

But when will the Blues fans get their first look at their new star? We answer that question below.

The Felix deal explained

Chelsea have snapped up Felix on a loan deal until the end of the season, agreeing to pay Atletico a reported loan fee of £9.6million.

The Blues will also be fitting the bill for the forward’s large wages, which are understood to be around £250,000-per-week. The most surprising factor of the deal is that there is no option to buy for Chelsea at the end of the loan deal, with Felix signing a new contract with Atletico before leaving for London.

It seems the loan deal will serve as a much-needed break for Felix and Simeone, with the two likely to start again so-to-speak in the summer.

When will Felix make his Chelsea debut?

Chelsea face local rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday night, and the Blues are seeking permission from the Premier League for Felix to play, with international clearance needing to go through in time.

Blues boss Graham Potter said on Wednesday “It was good to get him in training today and we will see about playing on Thursday. We’re still waiting for confirmation that he can play. From a physical perspective, he can go in. It’s always a little bit of an unknown period as he is going from one club to another, but that’s on a case-to-case basis.”