9 Goals In 12 Games: Is Chelsea’s Interest In £105m-rated Portuguese Sensation Justified?

Chelsea are one of many clubs interested in the services SL Benfica wunderkind Joao Felix, according to O Jogo(via The Sun)

The Blues are preparing for life without Eden Hazard next season and are thus, monitoring the current situation of Felix, who is regarded as the next big thing in Portuguese football.

In fact, Benfica have recently slapped a whopping £105 million price-tag on the Portuguese sensation thus accentuating how much they rate their gifted prodigy.

Here we will attempt to see whether Chelsea’s interest in the player, especially at this price is justified or not.

CHELSEA’S NEED

It’s probably needless to say that Chelsea could be in for a squad overhaul in the summer, especially in the attacking department.

Star player Eden Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid while the two ageing wingers in Willian and Pedro have shown clear signs of deterioration. In fact, Willian has repeatedly been linked with a move away and things might well develop on that front in the summer.

And despite the pending arrival of Borussia Dortmund superstar Christian Pulisic, the Blues will be in desperate need of offensive reinforcements if the above-mentioned reports do come true, which as of now look likely. And to push for the league as well as the Champions League title next season, the squad does need fresh legs as the Blues have looked jaded midway through every season since their title triumph under Conte.

MORE ON JOAO FELIX

That’s where Felix could come into the fray. The 19-year-old forward, who was promoted to the Benfica first team at the start of the season, has been one of the rising stars of the LIGA NOS so far, having been involved in nine goals in just 12 matches.

His sublime performances in the Portuguese top flight has helped his club maintain their push for the title this season.

As far as his gameplay is concerned, Felix is known for his excellent vision and immaculate control on the ball that allows him to thrive anywhere across the final third. In fact, the Benfica forward can be utilized as a false nine, a number ten as well as a winger, which is indicative of his versatility in attack.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old also likes to take on defenders but at the same time, he also has an eye for that killer through ball that can take an entire defence out of the equation.

AGE MIGHT BE A FACTOR

But that being said, Felix has very little experience when it comes to top-flight football, having only made his professional breakthrough earlier this season.

This raises doubts over his ability to perform in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League as well as live up to his hefty price-tag, thus making him somewhat of a risky choice as far as Chelsea are concerned.

While Chelsea’s attack does sport some ageing legs, Sarri will have to be wary of not going the other extreme. In the cut-throat competitive nature of the league, it will be extremely difficult for a top club like Chelsea to splash £105m on a 19-year-old and integrate him into the squad.

However, he’s certainly a player Chelsea should keep an eye on, especially if Benfica manage to keep hold of him beyond next summer.