A team competing in this summer’s Club World Cup are planning a move to sign a Chelsea-owned player before the tournament begins.
The Blues are currently focused on the business end of the season, where they’re attempting to secure Champions League qualification and to win the Conference League.
However, the Club World Cup is quickly approaching as well because it kicks off in mid-June. Chelsea will take the Club World Cup seriously because of the financial rewards on offer within the 32-team tournament.
The latest transfer speculation suggests that a player on Chelsea’s books could end up playing against Enzo Maresca’s side at the summer competition.
Benfica want to sign Joao Felix in time for the Club World Cup
Chelsea forward Joao Felix, 25, is currently on loan at AC Milan until the end of the season. Fresh reports suggest that he’s already a target for a different club this summer, though.
According to Record, Benfica are interested in re-signing Felix, who came through their academy as a youngster.
Apparently, Benfica’s aim is to sign the Portugal international on loan by the beginning of June at the latest because they want to use him at the Club World Cup tournament this summer.
It is explained that the Liga Portugal club have tried to sign Felix in the previous two summer windows, so let’s see if their third attempt is more successful. The report adds that Benfica manager Bruno Lage is keen on securing the deal after previously coaching him
If Felix does end up joining Benfica in the next couple of months, there’s a chance he could come up against Chelsea in the Club World Cup if both teams get out of their respective groups.
Milan won’t be signing Felix permanently after a difficult spell with them since joining on loan in January.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 13 | 1 | 1 |
Alvaro Morata described Felix as “special” in 2022 (Goal), but it feels like his career is at a crossroads because he can’t seem to settle anywhere.
Joao Felix may be offered chance to reunite with Bruno Lage
Even though Felix has incredible individual ability, he’s not really kicked on like many expected since he left Benfica in 2019 to join Atletico Madrid.
The attacker was an exceptional talent when he broke into Benfica’s first team, where he linked up superbly well with Lage.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 29 | 17 | 10 |
Lage is currently back at Benfica for a second stint as their manager, so let’s see if Felix returns to them for another spell.
Back in 2022, Felix raved about Lage’s impact on him at Benfica. He told The Athletic: “He’s (Lage) the best manager I’ve had that can manage a team and each player in the best way.”
