What Chelsea have requested in new Joao Felix talks as Jorge Mendes gets involved

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Joao Felix is heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, but Chelsea have a key demand they want to be met.

It’s become quite evident that Joao Felix, 25, isn’t part of the plans at Chelsea moving forward.

The Portuguese attacker, who was loaned out to AC Milan for the second half of the 2024/25 season, didn’t link up with the Blues for the Club World Cup tournament. Even though he only joined them permanently a year ago from Atletico Madrid, the writing may be on the wall for his future at Stamford Bridge.

During a recent interview, Felix admitted he would like to re-sign for Benfica, where he actually started his senior career.

Meanwhile, reports claim that Portuguese giants Benfica are considering a move for Felix, but his current wages sit above their current salary cap.

• READ MORE: Joao Felix’s big prediction about his Chelsea future has turned out to be drastically wrong

Jorge Mendes working on Joao Felix transfer

Super agent Jorge Mendes, whose list of clients includes Felix, is currently involved in trying to sort a summer transfer.

According to TEAMtalk, Benfica are making ‘serious moves’ to sign Felix, with the club working closely with Mendes to agree a deal with Chelsea.

It is explained that Benfica would prefer to sign the 25-year-old forward on loan and have opened talks with the Blues. Apparently, they are trying to strike an agreement to cover part of his wages, which would be ‘essential’ for the deal to actually happen.

The report adds that Chelsea and Benfica hope to move forward quickly with negotiations after the Club World Cup finishes this week because talks started before the competition began.

The Blues would prefer either a permanent transfer or a loan, and have requested the full salary is paid by the new club. Even though Chelsea would prefer a sale because Felix isn’t in Enzo Maresca’s plans, they may need to settle for another loan because of his high wages.

Joao Felix needs another fresh start

Even though he’s only aged 25, Felix is perhaps at a crossroads in his career. It feels absolutely vital that he gets this next move right.

The Portuguese attacker, who can play anywhere across the frontline, needs to get back to playing regularly to recapture his best form.

Earlier in his career, when he was a football wonderkid, he shone brightly at Benfica.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged Chelsea to get rid of Felix, and that should be a popular opinion because we’re not sure he’s able to fully succeed in the Premier League. However, an emotional return home to Benfica could be just what is needed to revive his career.