According to Portuguese media "Globe", Benfica is willing to pay up to 25 million euros to purchase half of Felix's ownership.
Felix is still a difficult but possible operation for Benfica, which depends largely on whether Jorge Mendes can convince the Chelsea boss.
On Thursday, a meeting between senior Gestifute, composed of Jorge Mendes, João Camacho and Valdir, and Benfica, led by Chairman Rui Costa, did not reach an agreement. Because Benfica wants to control transaction costs and set budget and transfer restrictions.
Club AG (SAD) learned from Felix's agent Jorge Mendes that he had direct contact with the Chelsea boss and that buying half of the ownership of 20 million euros may not be enough to complete the deal. Even with undisclosed guarantees from the broker, this number cannot satisfy the Blues.
Benfica is willing to raise its quotation, although there is a limit, that is, it will reach a transfer fee of 25 million euros. Players' salaries are currently at a secondary level, which is a problem that needs to be resolved if Benfica reaches an agreement with Chelsea.
Felix will receive an unprecedented salary level in Benfica (the salary cap is slightly higher than EUR 4 million per season), but that is not the focus of the current concern.
After the above meeting, it has been clear that Jorge Mendes needs to find a way to convince Chelsea with the highest offer Benfica has provided him. It must be a transfer, because the simple loan and purchase option are not accepted by Chelsea.
If Chelsea accepts half of the ownership of the sale of less than or close to the price paid to Atletico Madrid (slightly more than €50 million) a year ago, the Blues' point of interest is undoubtedly the quick sale of Felix for compensatory income, whether it is going to Europe or Saudi Arabia.