As Benfica jetted off to the United States for their Club World Cup campaign, club president Rui Costa struck a candid tone regarding the potential return of Joao Felix from Chelsea.
“Every year, we’re asked about bringing back a player like João—someone who came through our academy and showed real quality,” Costa admitted.
But he was unequivocal: “The players are under contract, with very high transfer fees and salaries. We’re a long way off affording that.”
Felix’s journey since leaving Benfica in 2019 has been far from straightforward. After a record €113m transfer to Atlético Madrid, he has cycled through loans at Chelsea, Barcelona, and most recently AC Milan.
Despite flashes of brilliance—including goals on debuts at both Chelsea and Milan—he’s struggled to find consistency, leading to Milan opting against a permanent deal.
Chelsea have since stripped him of shirt No. 14—bestowed to newcomer Geovany Quenda—and left him out of their Club World Cup squad, signaling that his time at Stamford Bridge is likely over.
Portuguese media reports, however, suggest Benfica retained genuine interest.
Earlier this spring, both Benfica and Felix reportedly pushed for a move ahead of the Club World Cup—ideally a loan—but were stymied by financial constraints and Chelsea’s €35‑40 m valuation demands.
Rui Costa struck a human note as he acknowledged the emotional pull: “We’d all love to bring back our graduates who’ve made it big. João is an excellent player. But practically, it’s a long way off.”
He stressed that Benfica’s primary focus now is building a competitive squad for the Club World Cup, within budget and the club’s style.
With Benfica’s financial ceiling unable to stretch to his transfer fee or wage demands, the door remains open for other suitors.
Rumours swirl of interest from Galatasaray, Flamengo, and clubs in Saudi Arabia, suggesting a move away from top-tier European football may be on the horizon.
