Felix to Chelsea: Blues set deadline to register Atletico star in time for debut vs Fulham

Cameron Smith

• 10 Jan 2023 18:27 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea face a race against time to register Joao Felix in time for him to feature in their derby against West London rivals Fulham on Thursday, 12 January.

The Blues' pursuit of the Atletico Madrid forward has ramped up in recent days and they are expected to complete the deal very soon, with Felix currently in London to undergo his medical. It's also been reported that the two clubs are in the process of exchanging documents in order to get the deal over the line.

And, Chelsea will be hoping that everything happens quickly in order for Felix to feature against Fulham.

READ: Joao Felix: How Chelsea move will unfold

Graham Potter's men have struggled massively in recent weeks, with their only league win since October 16 coming against AFC Bournemouth in the first league game back after the 2022 World Cup.

That run of form has seen them plummet down the Premier League table, with the Blues now lying down in 10th place in the division.

Therefore, the clash with Fulham is vitally important and Potter will want to call upon Felix, especially given the injury issues in his squad.

READ: Is Joao Felix prolific enough to solve Chelsea's issues?

Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling are all out injured, while Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are both out-of-form, leaving Potter without many viable options to play in the forward line at Craven Cottage.

When must Chelsea have registered Felix by?

The Blues have to complete the signing and register Felix before 12pm on Wednesday, as per the Premier League rules.

The rulebook states: "Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match)."

So, Chelsea must act quickly and decisively to get a deal for Felix over the line in order for the Portuguese starlet to feature against Fulham, which must be deemed a priority given their rocky form and cluster of injury problems.