Chelsea forward João Félix is reportedly a target for Benfica, who are exploring a £25.6 million move to bring the former academy standout back to Lisbon following a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan
Benfica reportedly targeting return of João Félix from Chelsea
Portuguese club Benfica are reportedly interested in re-signing João Félix from Chelsea, according to a report by A Bola. The 25-year-old forward is seeking a fresh start following a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan, where he failed to meet expectations. This also comes amid Chelsea beating Benfica today, June 29 (4-1).
Félix was initially loaned to Chelsea from Atlético Madrid in 2023, scoring four goals in 16 Premier League matches. Following that stint, Chelsea secured his services permanently for £45 million. However, his form did not continue into the 2023–24 season. Under manager Enzo Maresca, Félix made 12 appearances and scored just once before being loaned to AC Milan in January, 2025.
Also read: Chelsea punish 10-man Benfica 4-1 in late blitz, advance to Club World Cup quarters
His time in Serie A also fell short of expectations. Italian media outlets have criticized both his performance and attitude, suggesting that he contributed to AC Milan's inconsistent results. Despite this downturn, Benfica appear willing to offer Félix another opportunity. The club, where he developed through the youth system and rose to prominence in 2018, views a return as a potential stabilizing move.
Chelsea forward João Félix linked with £25.6m move to Benfica
Félix left Benfica in 2019 in a high-profile €126 million transfer to Atlético Madrid. Since then, the Portuguese international has changed clubs six times in seven years, leading local media to refer to him as a “man-ball”, a player with talent but no fixed direction.
Reports indicate that Benfica are considering a £25.6 million offer to bring Félix back. However, the move presents financial challenges. Félix remains under contract with Chelsea until 2030 and is currently earning a weekly wage of £130,000. That salary and contract length could complicate any potential transfer agreement.
Chelsea and Benfica are expected to begin preliminary discussions during their upcoming meeting in the Club World Cup round of 16. While Chelsea are reportedly open to offloading Félix, reaching a deal may require significant negotiation.
Also read: Paulinho scores extra-time winner as Palmeiras edge Botafogo to enter Club World Cup quarters
If a transfer does not materialize, Félix is unlikely to play a major role for Chelsea next season. The club has already added striker Liam Delap for £30 million and is targeting additional reinforcements for the attacking line.
Portuguese club Benfica are reportedly interested in re-signing João Félix from Chelsea, according to a report by A Bola. The 25-year-old forward is seeking a fresh start following a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan, where he failed to meet expectations. This also comes amid Chelsea beating Benfica today, June 29 (4-1).
Félix was initially loaned to Chelsea from Atlético Madrid in 2023, scoring four goals in 16 Premier League matches. Following that stint, Chelsea secured his services permanently for £45 million. However, his form did not continue into the 2023–24 season. Under manager Enzo Maresca, Félix made 12 appearances and scored just once before being loaned to AC Milan in January, 2025.
Also read: Chelsea punish 10-man Benfica 4-1 in late blitz, advance to Club World Cup quarters
His time in Serie A also fell short of expectations. Italian media outlets have criticized both his performance and attitude, suggesting that he contributed to AC Milan's inconsistent results. Despite this downturn, Benfica appear willing to offer Félix another opportunity. The club, where he developed through the youth system and rose to prominence in 2018, views a return as a potential stabilizing move.
Chelsea forward João Félix linked with £25.6m move to Benfica
Félix left Benfica in 2019 in a high-profile €126 million transfer to Atlético Madrid. Since then, the Portuguese international has changed clubs six times in seven years, leading local media to refer to him as a “man-ball”, a player with talent but no fixed direction.
Reports indicate that Benfica are considering a £25.6 million offer to bring Félix back. However, the move presents financial challenges. Félix remains under contract with Chelsea until 2030 and is currently earning a weekly wage of £130,000. That salary and contract length could complicate any potential transfer agreement.
Chelsea and Benfica are expected to begin preliminary discussions during their upcoming meeting in the Club World Cup round of 16. While Chelsea are reportedly open to offloading Félix, reaching a deal may require significant negotiation.
Also read: Paulinho scores extra-time winner as Palmeiras edge Botafogo to enter Club World Cup quarters
If a transfer does not materialize, Félix is unlikely to play a major role for Chelsea next season. The club has already added striker Liam Delap for £30 million and is targeting additional reinforcements for the attacking line.
