Last option emerges for “magic” player Chelsea would love to sell this summer | OneFootball

One of the major problems for Chelsea this summer looked like it would be moving on Joao Felix, but so far the signs are quite promising.

After so many failed transfers and loans in a row, it felt like the wider footballing world might have given up on the attacking midfielder. Only we were stupid enough to sign him last summer, and we can’t sell him to ourselves.

Felix down to one last option as career founders

Joao Felix celebrates a debut goal for AC Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

But there is one last narrative avenue for Felix to try – a return home. He came through the Benfica academy system and first shone there before his huge money, ill-fated move to Atletico Madrid.

CaughtOffside have translated reports today from Portugal that the 25 year old is keen for a return to where it all began, hoping he will be able settle in quickly and start to perform when he’s back home and feeling comfortable. We’ve all seen the moments which led to him being called “magic“, even at Chelsea, they just don’t come often enough.

Chelsea and Benfica will need to find mutually agreeable arrangement to take Felix home

It makes total sense from Felix’s point of view, and he may even be willing to take a major wage cut to make it happen. The issue will be the loan terms or transfer deal between Chelsea and Benfica, who don’t tend to spend big, especially on a player that is such a gamble, even in this unique context.

As always, Chelsea would prefer a permanent sale, but they might have to settle for a loan with an option and hope that Felix does indeed shine on a return to Portugal so that a potential transfer fee in a year’s time is larger.