Chelsea, as always, have already been linked with a lot of players this summer, and have even made a number of signings. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Joao Pedro, and Liam Delap have all already come through the door to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options. However, this requires some turnover: players already at the club will need to leave to free up wages, and game time. It appears that Joao Felix is interested in a move back to Benfica after it seems likely that he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea’s Joao Felix Wants Benfica Return As Summer Destination
‘It Is Maybe Where I Am Most Inclined’
Felix revealed to CMTV that seeing his former coach, Bruno Lage, helped with making a decision over his future. Lage was at Benfica for Felix’s final six months, in which he thrived and attracted a move from Atletico Madrid. The coach is now back at Benfica after stints at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Botafogo, and could entice his former player into a move back there.
Felix spoke about Lage’s importance in his career, and he sees returning to Benfica with positivity. He revealed that it is perhaps where he is most inclined to go for the next chapter in his life.
Chelsea Replace Felix With Similar Profile
It seems apparent that Chelsea’s replacement for Felix will be Joao Pedro, who they have just signed. This may confuse some fans, as they appear to be a fairly similar profile of player, and Felix only joined last summer. They are both capable of playing as a striker, a deeper-lying centre-forward, an attacking midfielder, or even as a winger. This is due to both of them being so technically proficient.
This therefore begs the question: why didn’t Chelsea just keep Felix? And will Pedro be any better than his predecessor?
Felix frankly struggled in his second stint at Stamford Bridge, particularly in the league, only starting three matches before a January loan to AC Milan. He had been reported to have a “bad attitude” in the past. Meanwhile, in the Serie A he played 761 minutes but only managed two goals and no assists. His move from Atleti to Chelsea overall has been a failure, but this shouldn’t really be a surprise given that the move was just a facilitator for the Conor Gallagher transfer the opposite way.
Chelsea are replacing Felix with Pedro, who will likely be a more successful fit, but the constant turnover highlights the questionable methods of business that they are using.
