Joao Felix transfer talks turn to Benfica reunion

Joao Felix transfer speculation has reignited after the Portugal international publicly admitted that a return to boyhood club Benfica is high on his agenda following under-whelming spells at Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan.

Joao Felix transfer saga: how a €126m prodigy lost his way

When Atlético Madrid invested a record-breaking €126 million in the then 19-year-old in 2019, European football believed it had secured the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet four seasons of patchy form, repeated injuries and tactical misalignment under Diego Simeone left Felix searching for a fresh environment that would allow his free-flowing attacking instincts to thrive.

The Portuguese forward first sampled the Premier League with a January 2023 loan to Chelsea. Although flashes of brilliance produced seven goals in 20 appearances, a red-card debut and a lack of defensive discipline convinced then-manager Graham Potter, and later Mauricio Pochettino, to pass on a permanent deal. Atlético promptly extended Felix’s contract to 2030, protecting their asset while hoping for a resurgence elsewhere.

Chelsea exit, Barcelona bounce and AC Milan misfire

Chelsea’s reluctance did not end the Joao Felix transfer merry-go-round. In the summer of 2023 Barcelona secured a season-long loan, banking on Felix’s technical gift to unlock low blocks in La Liga. A bright September quickly faded, and by March he was rotated behind Lamine Yamal and the fit-again Raphinha. Despite memorable Champions League strikes, Barça’s finances made a repeat loan impossible.

Enter AC Milan, keen to add a creative edge beside Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud. Felix arrived at San Siro in January 2024, reunited with fellow former Chelsea men Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori. Ten Serie A starts yielded just two goals; Stefano Pioli’s structured 4-2-3-1 again restricted Felix’s preferred movement into half-spaces. By May, Milan decided against activating any purchase option.

The Benfica pull: emotional roots and Bruno Lage factor

Speaking to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã, Felix cut through transfer noise with a heartfelt message: “I want to go home, my home is Benfica. I need to go home.” The Lisbon giants nurtured his talent from the age of 15, and former Eagles coach Bruno Lage—recently linked with a return to the Estádio da Luz—remains a pivotal influence. Felix acknowledged that working again with Lage “adds to my decision” and would make him “very happy.”

For Benfica, the prospect is tantalising yet complex. Atlético would still demand a significant fee to recoup part of their investment, while Felix’s salary sits far above the Portuguese champion’s pay structure. However, creative loan formulas—perhaps with an obligation to buy, performance triggers or a sell-on percentage—could bridge the gap. Felix’s willingness to trim wages for emotional fulfilment may prove decisive.

Family, tragedy and the search for stability

The 25-year-old’s comments arrived days after the tragic death of national team-mate Diogo Jota in a car accident—a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Felix emphasised a desire to be “closer to family” and to “find stability and happiness” away from the relentless scrutiny that followed his £109 million price tag. Lisbon offers proximity to parents, lifelong friends and a fanbase that still sings his name.

What would a Benfica return look like?

Tactical fit

Under Roger Schmidt, Benfica deploy an aggressive 4-2-3-1 with high pressing and quick vertical transitions—an ideal canvas for Felix’s ability to drift between lines, link midfield and attack, and arrive in the box late. Paired with rising star João Neves and winger Ángel Di María (should he extend), Felix could revive the fluid combinations that lit up the Primeira Liga in 2018-19.

Financial mechanics

Reports in Portugal suggest Atlético might accept an initial €15-20 million loan fee with a £45 million obligation triggered by Champions League qualification or appearance milestones. Chelsea, who technically own registration rights due to a complex sub-loan clause, hold a matching option but new boss Enzo Maresca prefers different profiles. That stance clears the path for Benfica.

Market ripple effects

Should Felix land back in Lisbon, Benfica may release one of their export-ready assets—perhaps Gonçalo Ramos—to balance books. Meanwhile Atlético would lower their wage bill and reposition resources toward a Simeone-friendly forward such as Viktor Gyökeres.

Primary hurdles to overcome

• Salary alignment: Felix earns a reported €280,000 a week. Benfica’s ceiling is roughly a quarter of that.
• Transfer fee: Atlético seek to avoid a book loss; creative accounting or staggered payments are required.
• Competitive assurances: Felix craves Champions League football to protect his Portugal starting berth for Euro 2028.

Player perspective: lessons from a winding road

Throughout his travels, Felix has learned that innate talent is not enough in rigid tactical systems. Coaches demand off-ball intensity and positional discipline, traits developed in Simeone’s boot camp but sometimes jettisoned in England and Italy. A Benfica homecoming could blend familiarity with renewed responsibility, allowing him to lead rather than chase roles at super-clubs.

Expert view: can the Joao Felix transfer finally stick?

Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepúlveda believes a deal is “50-50” but notes that “all three parties stand to gain.” Benfica would sell shirts, Atlético would free up capital, and Felix would regain joy. Crucially, the Primeira Liga’s lower defensive blocks could inflate his numbers, reigniting market interest for a future move abroad on the club’s terms.

Potential timeline

• June 14-30: Benfica open talks, gauge Félix’s salary compromise.
• July 1-10: Atlético negotiate structure; Chelsea decide whether to match.
• Mid-July: Pre-season medical in Seixal; unveiling at Estádio da Luz.
• August 9: Primeira Liga opener—possible second debut for Félix.

Conclusion and short opinion

Felix’s declaration feels less like transfer theatre and more like a 25-year-old seeking solace in the place that first believed in him. The romantic angle aligns neatly with sporting logic: Benfica need a star, Felix needs a platform, and Atlético need resolution. If emotion can be backed by pragmatic financing, this could become 2024’s most satisfying story—not merely another headline in the long, winding Joao Felix transfer chronicle.

Opinion: In an era where money often trumps sentiment, Felix choosing Benfica would be a refreshing reminder that football’s heart still beats loudest where it first learned to love the game. The move makes sense for all involved; now it’s up to the executives to match the player’s clarity with concrete action.