The whirlwind start to João Félix’s Milan stint has given way to a more nuanced reality. His debut in the iconic rossonera jersey against Roma on February 5 was nothing short of explosive, with the winger coming on in the 59th minute and netting a goal just 11 minutes later. It seemed like the perfect resurgence for the talented player, donning the revered jersey with the class and finesse that had defined his early career. However, as the games went by, the initial euphoria began to wane, and the sharp realities of the sport set in.
Over the next five matches, Félix found himself a regular starter under Sérgio Conceição, a testament to the trust the coach had in his abilities. Nonetheless, this period saw the player’s form dip dramatically. The goals dried up, and his performances, while promising at times, failed to convince. This downturn coincided with a tough spell for the Milanese team, who managed only one victory during this stretch. As a result, in the last three outings, the Portuguese international has found himself starting from the bench, being utilized as a substitute – a far cry from the promising start that had many believing in a new dawn for Félix in Milan.
Currently on loan from Chelsea, Milan does not hold an option to buy, and according to transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano, there are no plans for negotiations with the Blues to extend Félix’s stay beyond the current season. With just over two months left to go in the campaign, there’s still a window of opportunity for the 25-year-old to prove his worth to the Italian outfit. However, for that to happen, Félix’s influence and importance within the Milan squad will need to experience a significant uptick.
Before making the move to Italy, Félix had accumulated seven goals and two assists for Chelsea across 20 games, nine of which he started. This form, while not spectacular, was a steady foundation that hinted at the potential for more. As the season draws to a close, Félix is at a crossroads. His path forward will depend largely on his ability to reignite the spark that brought him to the fore initially, to convince not just his current team but perhaps others watching from afar, that the talent and skill which once made him a highly sought-after commodity are still very much alive and ready to be unleashed.
