Joao Felix is expected to be on the move again this summer following his return to Chelsea last year. The Portuguese international is a well-travelled player, having played for numerous clubs throughout his career, although that may not be something he would have wanted.
Felix was a massive signing for Atletico Madrid many years ago, when the Spanish giants paid a hefty sum to secure one of the most talented teenagers in the world. His time at Atletico Madrid started well, but soon it became clear that manager Diego Simeone was not satisfied and had wanted him out in a few years.
A short-term loan to Chelsea did not bear any fruit, and while he was very good for Barcelona during his solitary season there, the financial aspects of any deal made it impossible for the Blaugrana to sign him. Last summer, there were some complicated business dealings between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and the Felix move to Stamford Bridge was a repercussion of their failed move for Samu Aghehowa.
Joao Felix left Chelsea for a loan move to AC Milan in January, and once again, after impressing in the early stages, the Rossoneri had long decided not to make the move permanent. He was already linked with a move to former side Benfica well before the season ended, and it appears there is some fire in these links.
Felix was asked about his impending future at Chelsea and specifically about a possible return to Benfica. In his comments that appeared on A Bola, the struggling Chelsea 2024 signing did hint at being open to a potential return to the Lisbon side, although he did not give the notion of moving there immediately and kept the prospect open for the future.
Joao Felix said, “Benfica is my home. One day I will return. I don’t know if it will be now or in a few years. If it is now, I will be happy”, added Félix, who prefers the club he holds dear. “Everyone knows that Benfica is the club of my heart. One day I will certainly return. I don’t know if it will be now or in the future. I have a few ideas in my head. Either stay in England or return to Benfica.”
Chelsea are not interested in having Felix in the team anymore, even though the player has a contract until 2031. Moreover, the Blues have made some tremendous signings to improve their attack, as the Portuguese star may have further seen his place diminished on Enzo Maresca’s side.
Benfica were reportedly planning on opening talks, either with the player or Chelsea about a possible move. They are reportedly willing to make a financial commitment of around €30 million to test Chelsea’s resolve, although they are still unsure about paying Felix high wages given they have a €4 million a year salary cap.
Should a move to Benfica materialise, Joao Felix might be open, but there are other teams interested, including Saudi sides Neom FC and Al-Nassr. There’s also interest from Flamengo, although there’s a feeling the struggling Chelsea 2024 signing might prefer a switch back to Benfica if an offer came by.
