Chelsea forward ‘already in talks’ over summer exit | OneFootball

Chelsea Forward in Talks Over Shock Return to Benfica

Discussions Begin Over Benfica Reunion

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea forward Joao Felix is in talks over a surprise summer return to Benfica, the club where his professional journey first gained international attention. The Portugal international, now 25, has endured a turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge, and his underwhelming loan stint at AC Milan has done little to reignite his career.

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The report suggests Felix’s time in West London is coming to a premature end after failing to live up to expectations. He arrived at Chelsea with pedigree but quickly fell down the pecking order before being loaned to the San Siro. His return to Lisbon now appears the most likely option as both Benfica and the player seek a fresh start.

Transfer Fee and Future Options

Chelsea are reportedly looking for €35-40 million to part ways permanently with Felix—an amount that may prove a stumbling block unless Benfica negotiate favourable terms. However, interest from Saudi Pro League clubs could drive up competition and potentially match Chelsea’s valuation.

With clubs in England, Italy and Spain reportedly cooling their interest, Felix’s options at the elite level seem limited.

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What Went Wrong?

Felix’s fall from prodigious talent to unsettled journeyman has been stark. “It seems to have become clear very quickly that he’s not cut out for this level,” the article states. That sentiment, while harsh, reflects a growing consensus in European football circles.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There’s disappointment, but not shock, in seeing Joao Felix linked with a return to Benfica. Expectations were high when he arrived at Stamford Bridge—a silky technician with flair, a record-breaking talent from Atletico Madrid. But the reality never matched the promise. At Chelsea, where intensity, adaptability and end product are demanded in equal measure, Felix rarely delivered.

The frustration lies not in the exit but in the unfulfilled potential. That burst of magic, that match-winning quality—flashes, never form. It’s hard to justify holding onto a player with such inconsistency, especially when the squad is in need of reshaping.

If the club can recoup €35-40m, and invest it in a forward who fits the system and the Premier League, then it’s good business. Nostalgia should not cloud judgement. Benfica may be the right place for him to reset, but for Chelsea, the focus must now shift to building a forward line that functions, not flatters.