Benfica working on sensational return: deal with Chelsea could be finalized soon

The high-profile return of João Félix to Benfica is gathering pace and could be finalized as early as this week, in what would be one of the most sensational moves of the summer transfer window.

According to reports from Portugal, particularly from the newspaper Record, Benfica is prepared to invest between 20 and 25 million euros to acquire 50% of the player’s transfer rights, an operation that would mark a significant financial commitment but one the club sees as a strategic move to bolster its attacking line.

This potential reunion comes five years after Félix left Lisbon for Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019. His transfer fee at the time 130 million euros remains the most expensive sale ever made by Benfica and one of the highest transfer fees in football history. The move to Atlético was filled with anticipation, as Félix was expected to become the next global superstar, following his breakout season under coach Bruno Lage. However, his time in Spain did not unfold as many had predicted. Under Diego Simeone’s rigid tactical system, which emphasizes defensive solidity and structured play, Félix struggled to consistently express the flair, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct that had made him such a sensation in Portugal.

Hoping to revive his career, Félix embarked on several loan spells. At Chelsea, his time was marked by flashes of brilliance but was overall inconsistent, partly due to the club’s own instability and managerial changes. His loan to FC Barcelona was more promising, with moments that reminded fans of his technical quality, but he never fully cemented his place as an undisputed starter. A brief stint with AC Milan followed, yet again leaving observers wondering if Félix would ever rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most coveted young talents.

The persistent rumors of a return to Benfica began surfacing as early as late April, fueled by reports that the player himself was eager to relaunch his career in familiar surroundings. Earlier this month, Félix openly addressed the speculation, acknowledging his positive relationship with Benfica’s current coach, Bruno Lage. “I know the coach well, and he has been an important figure in my career,” Félix told Mundo Deportivo. “That makes the prospect of returning very appealing to me, and I would love to come back to Benfica.” His comments only intensified speculation and sparked excitement among the Benfica faithful, who would welcome back one of their own with open arms.

Benfica’s sporting director Rui Costa, himself a club legend, has reportedly been personally involved in the negotiations, recognizing not only the sporting value of bringing Félix back but also the symbolic weight it would carry. The club recently lost Orkun Kökçü to Beşiktaş, leaving a creative void in the midfield and attack that Félix could help fill. The Portuguese giants are keen to assemble a squad capable of dominating domestically while being competitive in Europe, especially in the Champions League, where the club has ambitions of progressing beyond the knockout rounds.

Félix’s return could also reignite the connection between the fans and the team. In his previous spell at the club between 2018 and 2019, Félix made 43 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists. His performances were electric, combining technical finesse with a sharp eye for goal, and he quickly became the poster boy of Portuguese football. That version of Félix free-spirited, instinctive, and decisive is the one Benfica hopes to recover.

Now 25 years old, Félix's career statistics across all clubs stand at 78 goals and 38 assists in 279 official matches. Though respectable, these numbers fall short of what was expected from a player once touted to be among the best in the world. A return to Benfica could provide him with the stability, confidence, and playing style needed to reignite his career trajectory.

Moreover, this move is not just about nostalgia. Benfica sees in Félix a potential cornerstone for their next competitive cycle. With the club preparing to celebrate its 125th anniversary, having a homegrown talent like Félix spearheading their attack would be a powerful statement. The deal, if completed, would not only boost the squad’s quality but also serve as a rallying point for fans eager to see their club reclaim its place among Europe’s elite.

Negotiations with Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, who still own the player's full rights, are said to be advancing well, and all parties are motivated to find a solution that benefits everyone. For Félix, it is a chance to reset his career at the club where it all began. For Benfica, it is an opportunity to bring back a prodigal son who could yet fulfill the immense promise he once showed.