According to reports from Portugal, João Félix is on the verge of returning to Benfica. Now 25 years old, the Portuguese forward has spent the past few years moving between several top European clubs but never managed to establish himself as an undisputed starter. As a result, his transfer value once as high as 127 million euros has significantly declined.
João Félix’s football journey appears to be coming full circle, with reports from Portugal suggesting that the 25-year-old forward is on the verge of making a sensational return to Benfica.
It’s a move that is stirring considerable excitement among fans of the Lisbon-based club and igniting debate across European football mainly due to the dramatic financial and sporting context surrounding it.
Back in 2019, Félix was sold by Benfica to Atlético Madrid for an eye-watering 127 million euros, making him one of the most expensive players in football history at the time. His move to Spain was seen as the beginning of a new superstar era for Portuguese football, with expectations that he would follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. But the reality has been far more complex. Despite flashes of brilliance, Félix never truly settled at Atlético under Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system, often finding himself at odds with the rigid structure that didn’t always suit his free-flowing, creative style.
In the years that followed, Félix embarked on a series of loans in search of consistency and identity. First, he joined Chelsea in the Premier League, where he showed moments of promise but again failed to cement a regular starting place. His stint in London was marked by flashes of his technical quality but also inconsistency, and in the end, Chelsea opted not to pursue a permanent deal. That decision now looks even more costly, as Chelsea effectively see the 27 million euros they paid for his temporary services disappear into thin air with no long-term return.
Most recently, Félix played for Barcelona on loan, a move that raised eyebrows given the rivalry between the Catalan club and Atlético Madrid. While there were some encouraging performances particularly in the early weeks his influence faded as the season progressed, and Barça chose not to activate any option to buy, sending him back to Madrid once more.
Now, after years of high-profile moves and uncertain roles, Félix looks set to return to the place where it all began. Benfica, the club that nurtured his talent and introduced him to the world, are reportedly re-signing him for just 27 million euros a mere fraction (around 20%) of the fee they originally received. In practical terms, Benfica have managed to turn a profit of roughly 102 million euros on a player they are welcoming back into their ranks. It’s a staggering piece of business, and one that underscores just how sharp and opportunistic the Portuguese giants have become in the transfer market.
But beyond the numbers, there is hope perhaps even belief that this return could reignite Félix’s career. Back in familiar surroundings, under a system more aligned with his natural attacking instincts, he may finally recapture the joy and freedom that defined his breakout season. Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt is believed to be enthusiastic about the move, seeing Félix as a player who can instantly elevate the team’s offensive potential while also bringing valuable European experience.
Reports suggest Félix will be officially unveiled on Friday at Estádio da Luz, in what promises to be a celebratory moment for both the player and the club. He is expected to be available for selection as early as Saturday, when Benfica face Turkish side Fenerbahçe in a preseason friendly potentially marking his first appearance in the red shirt since that memorable 2018–19 campaign when he scored 20 goals and burst onto the global stage.
The Portuguese newspaper A Bola confirmed the details of the deal, reporting a transfer fee of 27 million euros. While still a significant investment, it is considered a bargain for a player of Félix’s pedigree and potential especially in a market where prices have become increasingly inflated.
If Félix can rediscover his best form, Benfica not only regain a top-tier talent but also open the door to a second wave of international recognition and commercial value. And if he shines once more, a future transfer this time perhaps under more favorable terms for both player and club may not be far off.
For now, though, the focus is on redemption, reunion, and a fresh start. João Félix is coming home.
