Chelsea Nears Major Financial Hit as Unwanted Star Forward Heads for Exit Door

João Félix appears set to depart Chelsea as his childhood club Benfica emerges as the likely destination for his next move.

Portuguese publication Record indicates that Benfica are nearing a deal with Chelsea to secure 50% of Félix's playing rights for approximately €25 million (£21.7 million, $29.3 million). The move could be finalized within the week.

Félix was no longer part of Enzo Maresca's future plans for the 2025–26 campaign, highlighted by Dario Essugo inheriting Felix's jersey number for the Club World Cup, a competition Chelsea chose to enter without Félix, who had recently completed a loan period at AC Milan.

Per The Athletic, Chelsea's opening valuation for Félix during the summer window stood at €50 million (£43.5 million, $58.7 million). While clubs showed interest, none were prepared to match that asking price.

Félix has made known his wish to rejoin Benfica as he seeks to revitalize his career at the club where he first caught attention in 2018–19. Benfica were previously rebuffed due to Chelsea's substantial demands, but Fabrizio Romano confirms that Las Águilas are now actively pursuing Félix's homecoming.

Chelsea invested £45 million ($61.3 million) last summer to secure the 25-year-old attacker permanently and tied him to a seven-year deal. Félix managed only three starts across 12 Premier League outings, netting twice before departing on loan to Serie A midway through 2024–25.

Following his 2019 Golden Boy triumph and Atlético Madrid's €126 million (£113 million at the time) acquisition from Benfica, he has struggled to secure regular playing time at any club.