On the road again: Joao Felix
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Felix has proven something of a square peg in a round hole throughout his career, undeniably talented but with his best position still undefined.
He enjoyed a semi-successful six-month loan from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea in 2023, scoring four goals in 16 League appearances, but could not reproduce that form after permanently joining the Blues last summer in a £45million deal.
He failed to impress Enzo Maresca, finding the back of the net just once in 12 appearances before being sent away to AC Milan, where his fortunes did not improve.
They worsened, in fact, as some reports in the Italian press pinned the Rossoneri’s many ills on his poor attitude and underwhelming performances.
In spite of his perennial underperformance, Benfica are reportedly interested in taking him back.
Felix graduated to the Eagles’ first team in 2018 before pushing for a big-money move to Atletico Madrid, at which point his career began to spiral, making six transfer moves in seven years.
A return to Benfica could offer some stability, though, and O Glorioso are now weighing up a £25.6m bid, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.
Read More
Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal bid for Spurs target; Man Utd hijack Gyokeres deal
Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker agrees surprise European return
Benfica vs Chelsea: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000
To reach an agreement at that figure could prove challenging, though, as Felix still has six years left on his Chelsea contract, which is said to be worth £130,000 per week.
Talks could be held this weekend, as Chelsea and Benfica are due to face off in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Saturday.
It was reported earlier this summer that Benfica ‘dreamed’ of bringing the 25-year-old home, and considered a move ahead of the Club World Cup. Chelsea are said to be open to a deal, and the Portuguese giants believe that they can get Felix back to his best.
He is not likely to play a significant role should he return to Stamford Bridge next season, as Chelsea are keen to bring in a swathe of attacking reinforcements this summer.