(Credit: Imago, Getty)

'Joao Felix bid to arrive at Chelsea as Benfica battle Saudi Pro League'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on:

25 Jul 2025, 11:32 am

Chelsea forward Joao Felix is expected to leave the Premier League side this summer with two club's battling out for his signature.

Felix is not part of Enzo Maresca's plans at the club, and the 25-year-old was loaned to AC Milan in January and not included in Chelsea's Club World Cup winning squad.

Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the final to win the Club World Cup after coming fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa Conference League.

Maresca has been bolstering his squad this summer ahead of a return to Champions League football next season with strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap signed alongside winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

Maresca has bolstered his forward line this summer

Maresca does not see a place for Felix in his Chelsea side. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Benfica favourites to secure Felix return

BBC Sport report that Felix's former club Benfica want to re-sign the Portuguese forward this summer.

However, Benfica will face competition from club's in Saudi Arabia, but the Libson side are "strong favourites" and are expected to make a bid soon to lure the star back.

Felix started his career at Benfica before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2019 and subsequently onto Chelsea in 2024 following a loan spell at Stamford Bridge.

He won the Portuguese league whilst at Benfica and La Liga whilst at Atletico and has won two UEFA Nations League titles with his country.

Felix looks set to leave Chelsea this summer.

Chelsea focus on outgoings after spending spree

Football Insider Verdict

Felix needs to reignite his career with a move away from Chelsea this summer after a failed loan spell at AC Milan.

The Italian club decided against signing the Portugal international on a permanent basis after contributing just two goals and one assist in 15 Serie A appearances.

Appearances	40
Goals	11
Assists	2

Felix's record at Chelsea across all competitions during his time at the club.

The lure of Saudi Arabia's financial power may be too much for Felix to turn away as Benfica face a tough challenge in persuading Felix to return.

Saudi Arabia have already poached big stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane from the Premier League.

Maresca is stacked with attacking options so the Italian will feel he can afford to lose Felix, with Chelsea also wanting to terminate winger Raheem Sterling's contract.

Striker Nicolas Jackson could also depart Chelsea with Manchester United and Aston Villa among the possible destinations for the 24-year-old.

The Blues are strengthening ahead of the challenge of winning a first Premier League title since the 2016/17 season.

Chelsea FC

Benfica

Saudi Pro League

Joao Felix