Joao Felix Eyes Benfica Comeback Amid Transfer Tug-of-War
Joao Felix’s time at Chelsea hasn’t sparked the revival he hoped for. Now, he’s trying to orchestrate a return to Benfica, the club where his professional journey began. At just 24, Felix finds his career at a crossroads, pushing for a move back to Portugal after a rocky year in the Premier League.
His camp is working overtime. Felix has already waved away offers from Porto and Flamengo, making it crystal clear: it’s Benfica or bust. It’s not just nostalgia at play. Felix believes he can get his spark back at Benfica, a club that’s eager to recapture its top spot in Portuguese football and sees Felix as the man to elevate their attack.
But there’s a snag. The financials are proving tricky. Benfica’s bid of €25m (£21m) isn’t impressing Chelsea, who want at least £35m (€40.3m) to green-light the sale. Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is doing his best to close the gap. He’s even floated the idea of Felix taking a pay cut—rare in top-tier football—just to make the deal possible. Clearly, Felix’s desire to go home outweighs his salary concerns.
Felix’s time in London didn’t go as planned. Signed for £45m in 2024 with high expectations, he managed just seven goals in 20 games. Then came a loan spell at AC Milan, further proof he wasn’t settling in at Stamford Bridge. New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hasn’t helped matters, rarely using Felix in his best positions and leaving the talented forward frustrated on the bench. By January, Felix had already made up his mind and handed in a transfer request. For Chelsea, who have already welcomed seven new faces this summer, Felix’s name is near the top of their exit list during their ongoing squad overhaul.
It’s not just a case of a bad fit at Chelsea. Felix and Benfica genuinely see the move as a win for both sides. Benfica fans would love to see their academy star return as a senior pro, and for the club, it’s about more than sentiment—they want his skills and experience to help chase domestic glory again. For Felix, it’s the chance to be the main man and reboot a career that’s stalled among so many managerial changes and club transfers.
Negotiations Heat Up as Transfer Deadline Looms
Every transfer window comes with its drama, but this one has a personal twist. Felix isn’t just another player angling for a move—he’s going back to his roots. Watching Jorge Mendes try to navigate these choppy financial waters, especially when the player might lower his own wages, adds an extra layer to the negotiation saga.
For Chelsea, unloading Felix on a permanent deal makes sense as they reshape their roster and free up salary space. So far, their high asking price has scared off anyone except Benfica, who are banking on momentum, fan sentiment, and Mendes’ persuasion. The transfer window clock is ticking, and while nothing is settled yet, the Joao Felix story is far from over. If Mendes pulls off a breakthrough, Felix could be pulling on a Benfica shirt again in time for the new season—and potentially transforming their title chances in the process.
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