Joao Felix’s future has been under heavy scrutiny since the end of his loan stint at Barcelona. Despite Felix’s strong desire to stay with Barcelona, the club has hesitated to meet Atletico Madrid’s steep asking price. This financial obstacle has opened the door for other teams to compete for Felix’s signature.
Benfica’s president, Rui Costa, has openly discussed the club’s struggle to re-sign Felix. Speaking during a friendly against Fulham in the Algarve, Costa addressed the media about Benfica’s financial limitations. He expressed that, while the club is interested in re-acquiring Felix, the cost of transferring him from Atletico Madrid is too high.
“If I had the means to bring João Felix back, I would,” Costa stated. “However, I am not in a position to afford his current price. Benfica’s squad is still not complete, and there’s a month left before the transfer window closes.”
Felix’s recent career has been marked by loans to Chelsea and Barcelona, and while his performances have attracted attention, there is now speculation about a Premier League return, with Aston Villa emerging as a potential suitor, adding more complexity to his transfer situation.
A major hurdle for Benfica is Felix’s substantial annual salary, reportedly around £7 million ($9 million). This would make him one of the top earners at Benfica, alongside Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat, creating a significant financial challenge for the club in their bid to bring Felix back.