João Félix Outlines Transfer Plans Following Chelsea Struggles, Faces Wage Issues

Portugal international João Félix, who joined Chelsea for €52 million last year, is now on the fringes of the squad.

‎He struggled to break into Enzo Maresca’s team and spent the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan.

‎Félix has officially announced his intention to return to Benfica this summer.

‎João Félix did not make a strong impact at AC Milan in Serie A, and as a result, there were no negotiations for a loan extension or permanent transfer.

‎He was eventually omitted from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad and is now looking to leave Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old has attracted interest from Saudi club NEOM SC, but the most persistent speculation involves a return to Benfica.

‎Benfica was where Félix first gained prominence before making a €127.2 million move to Atlético Madrid in 2019.

‎Benfica president Rui Costa recently confirmed that he would ‘love’ to re-sign the Chelsea flop but also conceded that the finances involved could prove too great for the Lisbon giants.

‎However, Felix seems to be ready to push for a return to his old stomping ground.

‎Speaking to Correio de Manha about his future, Felix has now publicly announced his intention to move back to Benfica this summer, insisting that he needs to feel ‘at home’ to get back to his best.

‎”With Bruno Lage being the coach, who I know and who was important for my career, he influences my decision, and I would be very happy about returning to Benfica.

‎”And that is probably where I am most inclined [to go]. I feel that I need to be at home, and that is why Benfica is one of the ideas that I have in mind.”

‎According to A Bola, Benfica is willing to pay up to €30 million to sign João Félix this summer, making him their third most-expensive signing after Enzo Fernandez (€44.25m) and Darwin Nunez (€34m).

‎However, concerns remain that his salary could pose a significant obstacle to the transfer.