Bruno Lage reveals how Chelsea blocked João Félix homecoming before Al Nassr move

João Félix desired a return to Benfica, even offering a wage cut, as revealed by former coach Bruno Lage in September 2025. Chelsea's high demands of €30 million and a future purchase clause, however, made the deal impossible for Benfica. Ultimately, Félix joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia for €50 million, ending his hopes of a Lisbon comeback.

Bruno Lage reveals how Chelsea blocked João Félix homecoming before Al Nassr move (Image via Getty)

João Félix wanted to return to Benfica, but Chelsea did not allow it. Former Benfica coach Bruno Lage revealed this in September 2025 during an interview with A Bola in Portugal. Benfica tried hard to bring Félix back to Lisbon. The forward was open to lowering his wages. He also spoke directly with Lage to make his wish clear. Chelsea, however, refused the offer. They asked for more money and wanted extra clauses. Benfica could not meet those terms. In the end, Félix moved to Saudi Arabia and joined Al-Nassr.

Bruno Lage says João Félix pushed for Benfica comeback

Bruno Lage explained that Félix showed a strong desire to play again for Benfica. Lage recalled speaking to Félix on the phone after the player publicly said he wanted to return. Lage told him that if he admitted this openly, doors would open. Lage even promised to speak with the Benfica president. Benfica then began talks with Félix’s agent, Jorge Mendes. The club made an offer to Chelsea. They wanted to pay for 50 percent of the player’s rights. Félix was ready to take a pay cut to help the deal. But Chelsea said no. Chelsea demanded around €30 million, equal to £26 million or $35 million, to even consider the sale. They also wanted Benfica to promise to buy Félix completely in the future. Benfica could not afford such a deal. Lage said: “Chelsea, which paid what it did for João, was always intransigent about the fees. Despite our efforts, their demands were impossible.” With the Lisbon club unable to match the offer, the chance of a homecoming ended. Instead, Chelsea later accepted a much bigger package from Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr agreed to pay €50 million, equal to £43 million or $58 million, plus add-ons. Félix signed a two-year contract in July 2025. This move helped Chelsea recover most of their original investment. It also meant Benfica missed their chance to bring back their homegrown star.

João Félix’s career path from Lisbon to Riyadh

Félix first rose to fame as a teenager at Benfica. His talent made him one of the most exciting young players in Europe. In 2019, he moved to Atlético Madrid for a huge fee. But he struggled to fit in under coach Diego Simeone’s style. He scored 34 goals in 131 games but never found consistency. Later, he went on loan to Chelsea and Barcelona. Those spells also brought mixed results. He had injuries. He often played fewer minutes. His return to Chelsea in 2025 did not change much. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr Stats, Current Salary, Endorsements, and Net Worth in 2025 By mid-2025, Benfica hoped to rescue him and make him the centerpiece of their team again. Bruno Lage believed Félix could have been key to the project he was building. But the deal collapsed under Chelsea’s price demands. With Benfica out, Al-Nassr stepped in. They met the fee. They closed the transfer in July 2025. Félix left Europe and started a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.

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