João Félix, currently on loan at Barcelona from Atlético Madrid, has publicly stated his desire to return to Benfica, the club where he began his professional career. The Portuguese forward’s comments, reported by cmjornal.pt, come as his loan spell with Barcelona nears its conclusion.
Félix left Benfica in 2019 to join Atlético Madrid for a reported €127 million, a then-club record transfer fee. His time in Madrid was marked by periods of both impressive form and inconsistency, leading to his loan move to Barcelona in September 2023. While he has become a regular feature in Xavi Hernández’s squad, contributing goals and assists, his stated preference for a return to his former club suggests his long-term future may lie elsewhere.
The possibility of Félix’s return to Benfica is complicated by his current contract with Atlético Madrid, which runs until 2029. Any permanent transfer would likely require significant negotiation between the two clubs. Benfica’s financial capacity to meet Atlético’s valuation of the player will be a key factor in determining whether a deal can be struck.
Meanwhile, Gonçalo Gyokeres, currently playing for Sporting CP, was recently spotted with his agent in Mallorca, according to cmjornal.pt. Gyokeres has been a prolific goalscorer for Sporting since joining the club, attracting interest from several European clubs. The purpose of the meeting in Mallorca remains undisclosed, but This proves speculated to involve discussions regarding his future and potential transfer options.
The contrasting situations of Félix and Gyokeres highlight the dynamic transfer market in Portuguese football, with both players representing significant assets for their respective clubs. Whether either player will be playing for a new club next season remains to be seen.