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Football Insider

Chelsea's 'Impossible' Demands: Why Joao Felix's Dream Benfica Return Failed

Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage sheds light on the club's unsuccessful bid to bring Joao Felix back from Chelsea. Despite Felix's desire to return, Chelsea's high asking price proved a major hurdle, ultimately leading to his move to Al-Nassr.

Chelsea's 'Impossible' Demands: Why Joao Felix's Dream Benfica Return Failed

Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage has opened up about the club's failed attempt to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea. The Portuguese side openly declared their desire to bring the forward back to Lisbon but were unable to match the Blues' asking price. Even though Felix had his heart set on returning to Benfica, he opted to accept an offer from Al-Nassr after the Saudi Arabian club paid the fee Chelsea wanted.

1

Introduction

Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage recently discussed the club's unsuccessful attempt to secure the return of Joao Felix from Chelsea. The Portuguese side openly expressed their interest in bringing the talented forward back to Lisbon, but financial constraints and high demands from Chelsea hindered the deal.

2

The Failed Dream Return

Joao Felix, who had fond memories of his time at Benfica, reportedly harbored a strong desire to reunite with his former club. However, Chelsea's exorbitant asking price created a significant obstacle for Benfica, making it virtually impossible for them to match the financial demands set by the Blues.

3

Al-Nassr's offer

In a surprising turn of events, Joao Felix ultimately decided to accept an offer from Al-Nassr, a club based in Saudi Arabia. The move materialized after Al-Nassr agreed to pay the substantial fee demanded by Chelsea, giving Felix an opportunity to continue his career elsewhere.

4

Conclusion

Despite Joao Felix's strong desire to return to Benfica, the club's inability to meet Chelsea's financial demands ultimately led to the collapse of the dream reunion. The forward's departure to Al-Nassr highlights the complexities of modern football transfers, where financial considerations often play a decisive role in determining a player's future.

Published on September 29, 2025