There’s a strange kind of full-circle feel to this one. João Félix is trying to go back to Benfica, the club he start his career. After a few years moving to different big European teams, he now just wants to settle down and Benfica could be the right place.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Benfica have opened direct talks with the forward’s long-time agent Jorge Mendes, with the hope of bringing him back this summer. Discussions are already in motion, and while it’s still early, both sides seem open to the idea.
A key part of this move, however, depends on Chelsea. Félix was on loan at the London club last season, and while his time there didn’t quite go according to plan, the deal still has ties that need to be resolved.
Reports say Benfica are trying to understand the financial details and any remaining obligations Chelsea may hold especially if the loan included an option or clause affecting his next move.
But here’s what matters most: Félix wants this.
He’s ready to go home.
A Career That Never Really Settled
João Félix’s career changed fast. When he was 19, a lot of people thought he was one of the best young players. He had a good season at Benfica, scored 15 league goals, and did well in Europe too. Didn’t take long before Atlético Madrid sign him for €126 million.
But Félix and Atlético never really worked well together.
The problem was always the system. He had some good goals and a few games where he really stood out. But overall, he couldn’t keep that level going regularly.
He needed freedom, but Simeone asked for discipline. And over time, it became clear that the player wasn’t developing the way many had hoped.
He still had good moments. A few great goals, and some games where he played really well. But they weren’t consistent. And before long, Félix looked like a player caught between ideas. Too good to ignore, not fitting in enough to flourish.
“I Want to Play Football Where I’m Happy”
Those were the words João Félix said last year, and they still ring true now. He’s not chasing the biggest wage packet or the next flashy move. He wants to feel important again. He wants to be trusted, to be central to the project.
At Benfica, he had all that. He had a city that loved him, fans who believed in him, and a coach who gave him freedom.
Going back there isn’t a step down—it’s a reset.
A source close to the player told Portuguese outlet Record:
"João just wants to play his football again. He knows what Benfica means to him, and he hasn’t forgotten where he came from."
It’s a story that feels more emotional than tactical. Félix is not a kid anymore. He’s 24 now and has been around for a while. He has played in big matches and for the Portugal national team.
The last few years haven’t been great for him, but he’s still trying to get back to how good he was at Benfica.
Benfica Wants Him, But They're Being Careful
For Benfica, this isn’t just about romance or nostalgia. Club president Rui Costa is aware of the emotions around a possible Félix return, but he’s also focused on the numbers.
Benfica are not a club that throws money around casually. They’ve made a reputation, especially in recent years as smart sellers and calculated buyers.
According to O Jogo, Benfica are only willing to pursue the deal if it makes sense financially. They know Atlético still hold his contract, and even though Félix hasn’t been a key player there, he’s still a huge investment they’ll want to protect.
So any permanent move would likely involve either a loan with an option to buy, or a significant wage reduction on Félix’s side. There’s also talk of potential revenue-sharing clauses if he’s sold on again in the future.
In short, Benfica want the player, but not at any cost.
Chelsea’s Role: Just Watching for Now
It’s not clear how involved Chelsea still are in the process. Félix joined Chelsea on loan halfway through the 2022–23 season, and there wasn’t any option to buy in the deal.
He had a few good moments and looked sharp at times, but he didn’t really settle in under either Graham Potter or Frank Lampard.
When Pochettino came in, he didn’t seem interested in keeping him, so the loan just ended and Félix moved on. But it’s believed that Chelsea still maintain communication with Atlético regarding future deals.
Whether that affects Benfica’s current efforts isn’t known, but at the very least, there may be financial details Benfica need to clear before the path is fully open.
Atlético Madrid’s Plan Is To Let Him Go
At this point, it’s no secret that Atlético Madrid are ready to move on. Simeone has changed a lot in the team over the last few years, and Félix just doesn’t seem to be part of his plans anymore.
They loaned him out to Chelsea and Barcelona, and even tried changing the way the team plays, but it still didn’t work.
Atlético would prefer a permanent transfer this summer. That said, they know Félix’s current market value isn’t what it used to be. They’re unlikely to recover their initial €126 million outlay, so they may have to settle for a lower fee or structured deal that includes sell-on clauses or bonuses.
According to Fabrizio Romano,
“Talks between Benfica and Jorge Mendes are ongoing. João Félix is open to coming back, deal depends on Chelsea conditions and Atlético’s final stance.”
In other words, the wheels are in motion, but it’s not over the line yet.
The Emotional Part of His Return
For Benfica fans, this move would mean more than just signing another player. Félix is one of their own. He came up through Benfica’s academy and worked his way into the first team before getting that big move.
Now there’s talk of him coming back with more experience, and still wanting to prove himself.
Some fans are already sharing old videos of his goals and skills. People seems happy about the chance of seeing him play for Benfica again.
But there's also realism. Some fans are cautious. They know Félix has had a tough few seasons. They wonder whether he can really recapture that old form or whether too much has changed.
One fan on Twitter wrote:
“I love Félix. Always will. But this has to be the right deal, not just for him, but for us. We can’t risk throwing our budget on sentiment.”
And that’s fair. Sentiment is powerful in football but it can’t replace logic.
What Would Félix Bring Back to Benfica?
João Félix still has quality. He’s the kind of player you can use in a different position. As a false nine, out wide, or even a free role.
He reads the game well and he’s comfortable on the ball. When he’s confident, he can make chances for his teammates with a quick pass or bit of movement.
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt could certainly find a role for him. The team already has good players like Ángel Di María (if he stays), Orkun Kökçü, and Rafa Silva. But bringing in Félix would add something different, a bit of creativity in the frontline.
And Portuguese football wouldn’t mind having that kind of star name back in the league.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
This isn’t one of those blockbuster summer signings that shakes up the Champions League. It’s something quieter, but in many ways, more meaningful.
João Félix going back to Benfica is about finding joy in football again. It’s about returning to a place where the game felt natural, where there were no politics, no heavy expectations, just freedom and flair.
Whether or not the deal gets done depends on many moving parts. Chelsea’s conditions. Atlético’s demands. Benfica’s finances. But if everything lines up, this could be one of the most heartwarming moves of the summer.
For Félix, it’s not just about playing again. It’s about going home.