Homecoming!! Joao Felix close to ending Chelsea nightmare

Joao Felix is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to former side Benfica despite Chelsea’s efforts to recoup the £46 million they paid for the Portuguese playmaker.

Felix has failed to live up to expectations in Stamford Bridge as he was forced to spend the second half of last season at AC Milan. The Portugal international has made it clear that he wants to leave the club.

Now, Record claims that his old side Benfica hope to secure his services this week for approximately €20-25m (£17-21.5m), but A Bola states Chelsea are holding out for a higher offer.

Joao Felix spent the second half of last season at AC Milan. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)

The Portuguese publications add that Chelsea are likely to make a loss on the 25-year-old, who began his career at Benfica before joining Atletico Madrid in 2019, but how much it is remains to be seen. Either way, the Blues do want to move on the versatile attacker, who was once ranked the next big thing in Portuguese football.

Felix has played 40 times for Chelsea in two short stints for the club. In his loan spell in 2023, he scored four goals in 20 games, and in the first half of last season, the Portugal ace added seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances.

Benfica want him back as they believe he can replace Angel di Maria who left the club this summer.

Felix can play as a centre-forward, a winger, an attacking midfielder, or a supporting striker, his contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2031.