Joao Felix is pushing for a return to Benfica this summer — but Chelsea’s £21m asking price and the attacker’s wages could yet derail the deal.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea after another underwhelming season that saw him start just three Premier League matches before being loaned to AC Milan, where his struggles continued. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Felix has held advanced talks with Benfica in a bid to revive his career at his boyhood club.
Benfica Dreaming of Joao Felix Reunion
Benfica want to complete the deal before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup on June 15, hoping to reintroduce Felix on the world stage — six years after he left Lisbon for a then-record £113m transfer to Atletico Madrid.
“He’s been at the club twice now and not performed. It has to be sell.” — John Obi Mikel to The Telegraph
Chelsea have made their stance clear: they are open to selling Felix, but only for £21m or more — a cut-price fee compared to his previous valuations, but one that reflects his sharp decline in form.
Wage Demands Could Block Benfica Transfer
The real obstacle? Felix’s massive wages. Benfica reportedly “cannot even come close” to matching his Chelsea salary, meaning the Portuguese international would need to accept a significant pay cut to complete the emotional return.
Despite being benched during Portugal’s Nations League semi-final win over Germany, Felix remains hopeful of making an impact in Sunday’s final against Spain — possibly as a last audition before resolving his club future.
Joao Felix at a Glance (Club Stats Since 2023)
| Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 14 | 3 |
| AC Milan (loan) | 11 | 1 |
Key Bullet Callouts
- Chelsea demand £21m to sell Felix
- Benfica want deal done before Club World Cup
- Wage demands are biggest obstacle
- John Obi Mikel urges Chelsea to cut losses
What’s Next for Joao Felix?
If Felix wants to reignite his career and make Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad, regular football at Benfica could be the perfect platform. But unless he agrees to slash his wages, the fairytale return could remain a fantasy.
Should Chelsea sell Felix now or give him one last chance? Would Benfica be the right move? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this with fellow fans.
2 Comments (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 8 Jun 2025 19:02
£50M through the drain within a year.
By Adem 8 Jun 2025 18:38
If this guy had a little bit of work ethic it could be something but he's lazy and to be honest never showed any bits of his Benfinca time
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