The Flamengo football club is setting its sights on Portuguese attacker João Félix as it prepares for the upcoming Club World Cup. The Brazilian club has opened negotiations to bring in the Chelsea player, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, in what could be a significant move for both the player and the club.
According to journalist Venê Casagrande, talks have already begun between Flamengo and João Félix's representatives. The club is keen on securing a loan deal that would potentially include a purchase option, reflecting a strategic shift in Flamengo's recruitment philosophy. The board is looking for young players with solid experience and physical fitness, and at 25 years old, João Félix fits that profile perfectly.
Félix, who has had a tumultuous period at Milan, has only managed to score one goal in 16 appearances since joining the Italian club in February 2025. His lack of impact has led to speculation about his future, especially since Milan is not expected to renew his loan when it expires in June 2025. Chelsea, which holds the player's rights, is also reportedly eager to negotiate a transfer in the summer, making this an opportune moment for Flamengo to pounce.
The interest from Benfica, where Félix made a name for himself, adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations. Benfica is also vying for his signature as they prepare for the same Club World Cup that Flamengo aims to conquer. The Portuguese club has proposed a plan to share Félix's salary with Chelsea, who pays around 6 million euros annually, but Flamengo is believed to have greater financial flexibility in this situation.
Flamengo is no stranger to big signings, having recorded revenues of approximately R$ 1.2 billion in 2024. This financial strength allows the club to pursue ambitious transfer targets while maintaining a sustainable model. The club's strategy is to blend youth with experience, aiming to bolster their attacking options ahead of the Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the USA in June 2025.
As the current champions of the Brazilian league, Flamengo is eager to reinforce its squad to compete against the world’s best clubs. The upcoming tournament, which offers a prize of over 50 million euros to the winner, is a critical opportunity for Flamengo to showcase its talent on an international stage.
Félix's career trajectory has been marked by impressive highs and challenging lows. After rising through the ranks at Porto and making a name for himself at Benfica, where he scored 20 goals in 43 matches, he transferred to Atlético de Madrid for a staggering fee of 126 million euros in 2019. However, his time at Atlético was mixed, leading to subsequent loans at Chelsea and now Milan.
Despite his struggles, Flamengo's management believes that Félix can regain his form and become a key player in their squad. His versatility and creativity could provide the attacking spark that Flamengo needs, particularly given the team's recent challenges in maintaining a consistent offensive presence.
The anticipation surrounding Félix's potential arrival has already sparked excitement among Flamengo's passionate fan base. Supporters are hopeful that he can replicate the success he had at Benfica and bring his talents to Brazil, where the football landscape offers a fresh start and a chance to shine.
Negotiations are still in the early stages, but Flamengo has indicated that they are prepared to offer a loan contract until the end of 2025, with a purchase clause estimated at around 40 million euros. This financial model, which minimizes initial risks, is seen as a viable path forward for both the club and the player.
As the Club World Cup approaches, Flamengo is keen to finalize its squad to ensure that all new signings are integrated before the tournament kicks off. The prospect of facing Chelsea, the current holders of Félix's rights, adds an intriguing twist to the negotiations. Should Félix join Flamengo, he could find himself playing against his parent club in a high-stakes match.
In conclusion, Flamengo's pursuit of João Félix illustrates the club's ambition to compete at the highest level while adapting its recruitment strategy to focus on young, experienced talents. With the Club World Cup on the horizon, the stakes are high, and Flamengo is determined to make a splash in the international football scene.
