João Félix has set his sights on a return to Benfica, and according to A Bola, this is currently the only viable option on the table for Chelsea.
The Portuguese newspaper reports that super-agent Jorge Mendes is now leading negotiations, working to resolve the deadlock between the Lisbon side and the London club. Mendes is expected to hold direct talks with Behdad Eghbali, a key investor in Chelsea’s ownership group.
Félix, now 25, is not part of new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, therefore, are keen to offload the forward and recoup at least part of the €52m (around £44.5m) they paid Atlético Madrid for him just a year ago.
Chelsea are only considering a permanent deal and have ruled out any loan. The club currently value the player at €40m (£34.3m), while Benfica are offering €20m (£17.2m) for 50% of his rights. The report notes the Portuguese side may be willing to stretch slightly beyond that figure, but not by much.
Félix himself is also expected to take a significant pay cut in order to facilitate the move. The player has already ruled out other destinations after a possible move to Milan fell through. His priority now is a return to the Estádio da Luz, where his career first took off.
For now, the negotiations remain open and the next steps are in Jorge Mendes’ hands.
