The Portuguese footballer has spent several seasons jumping from one team to another without managing to establish himself. This time, however, the outcome seems likely to be different.
Neither at Atlético, nor at Chelsea, nor during his last loan spell at Milan did he manage to meet expectations. João Félix has experienced an inconsistent career, marked by flashes of talent that have never translated into consistency. The dream of succeeding at a top club seems increasingly distant.
For weeks, his agent Jorge Mendes has worked intensively in search of a permanent exit. From London to Arabia, even passing through Barcelona, he has explored every available option.
Barça doesn't consider his return
Despite his brief spell at Camp Nou, there was speculation in Barcelona about his possible return. Laporta keeps an excellent relationship with Mendes, which gave some hope to that possibility. However, the current context is completely different from last summer.
Hansi Flick has been clear in his planning: he doesn't want footballers with that inconsistent profile. The new coach is looking for committed players, with defensive sacrifice and regularity on the field. João Félix isn't part of that equation.
In addition, Barça is undergoing a full economic and sporting restructuring. There's no room for risky operations that involve high salaries without guaranteed impact. The focus is on strengthening key positions with reliable footballers, not on reviving failed bets.
Rejected by Europe's top clubs
No formal offers for his transfer came from England either, despite some preliminary contacts. Chelsea, which owns his rights, has already made it clear that it doesn't count on him for the future. His performance with the "blues" didn't justify another opportunity.
In Italy, his time at Milan was even more disappointing. Although he started with minutes and some good performances, he ended up disappearing from the starting eleven. Neither Pioli nor his successor managed to reconnect the Portuguese footballer with his best competitive level.
Given this scenario, Jorge Mendes has had to look elsewhere. He has found a destination where everything fits: minutes, affection, and a project tailored to his characteristics.
An operation feasible for all parties
The deal is done and will be a transfer, not a loan as in previous experiences. The figures aren't outrageous, but they'll allow Chelsea to recover part of the money invested. For the new club, however, it's a market opportunity with little risk.
The footballer's entourage values the change of direction positively. He needs stability, trust, and a context where he can feel important again. The new destination meets all those requirements, and in addition, it carries significant emotional weight.
There are already good feelings in the locker room. He's not arriving as a star, but as a piece that can recover his best version if he sets his mind to it. The club, although not among the current giants, offers an ideal environment for that.
Yes, it's official. João Félix will wear Benfica's jersey again, the club where he began his professional career. There, he excelled brightly before making the leap to Atlético de Madrid for more than €120 million.
In Lisbon, they believe he can rediscover his best soccer away from the media pressure of the major leagues. Benfica, moreover, will use part of the money it will receive from the sale of Álvaro Carreras to Real Madrid to finance this operation.
João Félix is coming home, but with a lesson learned: talent without consistency isn't enough at the elite level.