🚨 In the context of Joao Felix not being highly valued at Chelsea, his former club Benfica has publicly expressed interest in re-signing their former striker. Joao Felix has officially spoken out, and this has shaken the European football world.

In a remarkable turn of events that has captivated the European football community, Joao Felix has personally addressed the swirling rumors linking him with a possible return to his original club, Benfica. His public comments have sent ripples throughout the football world, intensifying speculation about his next move. The 25-year-old Portuguese forward, who has been facing significant challenges securing regular playing time at Chelsea, expressed a deep and heartfelt connection to Benfica, the club where his professional journey began. This heartfelt admission has further fueled growing rumors about a potential reunion with the Portuguese giants. With Benfica’s president, Rui Costa, openly expressing his desire to bring Felix back to Lisbon, the player’s recent statements have sparked widespread excitement among Benfica supporters while simultaneously raising questions regarding his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge.

Felix’s Difficult Spell at Chelsea

Joao Felix rejoined Chelsea in August 2024, signing a long-term seven-year contract valued at £45 million, following his earlier loan spell with the club during the 2022/23 season. Despite the high expectations that accompanied his permanent signing from Atletico Madrid, Felix has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Chelsea’s current manager, Enzo Maresca. Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League season, Felix has been included in the starting lineup on just three occasions. His loan move to AC Milan in early 2025 also failed to produce a career resurgence, as he managed to score only two goals across 15 Serie A matches, further diminishing his standing in the European football market. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Felix expressed his growing dissatisfaction, stating: “I want to play where I’m valued,”—a remark interpreted by many as a subtle yet pointed indication of his frustration with his current role.

Benfica’s Aggressive Pursuit

Benfica, where Felix originally rose to prominence during the 2018/19 season, has wasted no time in pursuing the possibility of bringing their former star back into the fold. The club is eager to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and sees Felix as a key asset in that ambition. Benfica’s president, Rui Costa—who shares a personal history with Felix’s family, having played alongside his father—has taken a leading role in the effort to orchestrate the transfer. Reports have surfaced indicating that Benfica is preparing a formal offer estimated at €25 million. However, while Costa remains enthusiastic about the potential deal, he has also adopted a measured tone, stating on June 14, 2025: “Joao is an excellent player, but the path to bring him back is long,” thereby managing public expectations. During his breakthrough season at Benfica, Felix delivered an outstanding performance, netting 20 goals and earning the Primeira Liga’s Best Young Player award.

Felix’s Emotional Remarks

Felix’s recent statements have struck a deeply emotional chord with fans and the football community at large. He spoke passionately, saying: “Benfica is my home; it’s where my heart lies,” reigniting hope among supporters eager to see him return. While expressing sincere appreciation for his time at Chelsea, Felix made it clear that his ultimate desire is to rediscover his passion and enjoyment for football—something he believes a return to Benfica could provide. Although he has attracted attention from other suitors, including Flamengo in Brazil and several clubs in Saudi Arabia, Felix has expressed a strong preference to continue playing in Europe, which aligns closely with Benfica’s current objectives. Nevertheless, negotiations may prove challenging, as Chelsea is reportedly insisting on a permanent transfer fee of €35 million, rejecting the notion of another loan arrangement.

Widespread Reaction Across Europe

News of Felix’s possible homecoming has dominated sports headlines and flooded social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where fans have passionately voiced their opinions. One user summarized the sentiment of many by posting: “Joao back to Benfica would be epic!” Football analysts and pundits have weighed in as well, viewing a return to Benfica as a crucial opportunity for Felix to reignite a career that has struggled to fully flourish since his high-profile €126 million transfer to Atletico Madrid back in 2019. Reports also suggest that Benfica’s manager, Bruno Lage, strongly believes Felix can once again thrive and reach his full potential in the familiar and supportive environment of his boyhood club.

The Uncertain Road Ahead

As the summer transfer window progresses, Joao Felix’s future remains highly uncertain and the subject of intense speculation. The key question now centers on whether Benfica will meet Chelsea’s financial demands or if another club might intervene and secure his signature. For the moment, however, Felix’s open and sincere remarks have set the stage for what promises to be one of the most captivating and closely followed transfer sagas of the upcoming window.