Exclusive: Joao Felix Set for Emotional Return to Benfica as Mourinho Eyes Star Signing

Joao Felix is set to be offered an emotional return to Benfica, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Our sources have been told the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea attacker, now of Al Nassr, features among Jose Mourinho’s leading targets as he attempts to lead the Portuguese giants back to the pinnacle of European football.

Although Felix’s sometimes inconsistent form does not make him an obvious Mourinho signing, sources have told SportsBoom that As Aguais’ new boss believes the 25-year-old possesses the star quality required to transform his new club’s season.

Benfica have struggled to make an impression in the Champions League so far this term which, despite Mourinho’s desire to win a third Primeira Liga title having twice achieved the accolade with Porto, does not fit in with his ambitions to once again become a big noise on the continent following indifferent spells in charge of Manchester United, AS Roma and most recently Fenerbahce.

The prospect of rejoining the club where he made his professional debut as a teenager in 2018 is known to interest Felix, who has failed to command a regular starting role under compatriot Jorge Jesus since moving to Saudi Arabia over the summer.

Talent to Burn

Despite flattering to deceive at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old remains one of the most naturally gifted players in world football. 

Indeed, members of his inner circle believe that working with Mourinho could enable him to finally harness and fulfill the talents which persuaded the Spaniards to pay £113m to acquire his services in 2019. 

At the time, that was the fourth highest transfer fee in history. But, given his fortunes in recent seasons, Felix is likely to command only a fraction of that figure now - something which has alerted Mourinho who returned to his homeland earlier this term.

Felix spent time on Porto’s books before heading to Lisbon, ahead of his mega-money switch to the Estadio Metropolitano. Having also spent time with AC Milan and Barcelona, he cost Chelsea around £42m when he moved to west London 15 months ago.

Although Al-Nassr have no need to sell, allowing Felix to leave would allow them to make room on their roster for an overseas player more suited to Jesus’ style.