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Official, João Félix Returns to Spain: Goodbye Chelsea to Join Barça's No. 1 Rival

The Portuguese, with no place at Chelsea or Milan, reunites with Spanish soccer

João Félix Closes a Complicated Chapter in England and Italy. The season started with his arrival at Chelsea, but it soon became clear it wasn't the right fit. Midway through the season, Milan gave him another chance... which also didn't work out.

In total, he has scored just one goal in the last six months. Without continuity, confidence, and impact, his progression has stalled. The player knows this and has requested a change of direction.

Despite the low performance, his talent continues to attract high-level clubs. His immediate future involves regaining form in a more favorable context. That context is once again in Spain.

Chelsea Doesn't Want to Sell for Now

The London club has ruled out a sale this summer. They believe his market value is too depreciated to justify a transaction that would justify the initial investment. Their plan is to increase the player's value with a strategic loan.

The goal is to find a team that guarantees him minutes and prominence. Jorge Mendes, his agent, has explored several leagues and identified a clear opportunity in LaLiga. João's camp considers it ideal.

Chelsea has approved the formula. Loan him for a season, without a transfer fee, and cover part of his salary to facilitate his adaptation. Everything is set for his imminent departure.

João Wants to Return to a Familiar Environment

The footballer himself has insisted that his priority is to return to Spain. Although his time at Atlético was irregular, he has fond memories of the competition. At Barça, despite his short stay, he found periods of play where he felt comfortable.

Spain offers him a style that better suits his characteristics. A slower pace, freedom in attack, and a league where he knows the settings well. After his experience in Italy, he believes this is the right step.

The clubs interested in his loan are not many, but they are specific. They need an offensive profile with technical quality, and João still has it. Additionally, this time, he doesn't demand immediate starting status, just continuity.

The Deal Is Already Closed

Once the destination was defined, the parties acted quickly. The receiving club has an ambitious project and competes for Europe every season. Additionally, their coach has been key in the operation, convincing the player with his play style.

The loan will be for one year, with no purchase option. Chelsea will cover part of the salary, but it is guaranteed that the player will have minutes. João has accepted without hesitation, convinced that this could be his major turning point.

Expectations are not excessive, but they are high. The goal is to recover the footballer who dazzled at Benfica. In this new team, everything points to him having the freedom to rediscover himself.

João Félix Will Play in LaLiga 2025/26

After several days of speculation, it's now official. João Félix will return to LaLiga next season. He will do so at a club that has surprised many.

His destination will be Real Betis, which has secured his loan from Chelsea. The verdiblanco team wants to make a quality leap and sees it as a market opportunity. The Portuguese has accepted the challenge with enthusiasm.

From Betis's camp, they assure that the signing is a real sporting bet. Not just for the name, but for tactical fit. João, at 25 years old, is looking for a new beginning... and he has found it at Benito Villamarín.