Joao Felix chooses the club he wants to leave Chelsea to join, ‘I am most inclined’

Add as preferred source on Google

One of Chelsea’s biggest headaches in the summer transfer window is finding a permanent solution for the future of Joao Felix.

It has become clear that Felix is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. It was even claimed Maresca preferred to sign a centre-back when he joined in the first place.

Felix’s previous shirt number has already been handed to Dario Essugo, potentially putting the final nail in the coffin for any potential return at Stamford Bridge.

The attacker endured an underwhelming spell on loan at AC Milan for the second half of the season, seeing the Serie A side turn down the chance to sign him permanently this summer.

Joao Felix chooses Benfica as his next club after Chelsea

There have been talks that former club Benfica would be interested in signing him back, however there are doubts over whether they could afford a deal to sign him permanently.

However, this could be about to change if the player has any say. Felix told A Bola that he is ‘inclined’ to join the Portuguese side if the opportunity is there.

He said: “With Bruno Lage being the coach, who I know and who was important for my career, he adds to my decision and I am very happy about returning to Benfica. And that is probably where I am most inclined. I feel that I need to be at home and that is why Benfica is one of the ideas that I have in mind.

“Benfica is my home. One day I will return. I don’t know if it will be now or in a few years. If it is now, I will be happy. Everyone knows that Benfica is the club of my heart. One day I will certainly return. I don’t know if it will be now or in the future. I have a few ideas in my head. Either stay in England or return to Benfica.”

Chelsea plotting ambitious Felix swap deal

With the money involved likely to cause an issue, Chelsea have reportedly been exploring other options to part ways with Felix this summer.

One of these does involve Benfica, and using Felix in a swap deal with the Portuguese star has been mentioned as a possible avenue.

Chelsea are very keen on Antonio Silva, who dominated in defence during the Club World Cup meeting between the two sides.

The deal would be perfect for Chelsea as they look to strengthen their defensive options, whilst also getting some wages off the books at the same time.