Joao Felix’s transfer saga concludes with a stunning move to Al-Nassr, reuniting him with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. After a series of loan spells and a permanent move to Chelsea, Felix’s lack of playing time paved the way for a £43.7 million transfer to the Saudi Pro League club. The move further strengthens Al-Nassr’s Portuguese connection under manager Jorge Jesus, highlighting the league’s growing global appeal.
In a dramatic turn of events, Joao Felix has left Chelsea to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in a lucrative £43.7 million deal. The Saudi Arabian club will reportedly pay Chelsea an initial £26.2 million, with a further £17.5 million in potential add-ons. This move brings together two Portuguese stars under the guidance of their compatriot, manager Jorge Jesus.
Felix's journey has been a whirlwind. After a loan spell at Chelsea in 2023, followed by a loan stint at Barcelona in 2023-24, Chelsea eventually signed him permanently for £42 million. However, he struggled for regular playing time under Enzo Maresca, leading to a loan move to AC Milan in January. With Milan opting against a permanent transfer, Felix expressed his desire to return to Benfica.
But before a deal could materialize with Benfica, Al-Nassr swooped in, hijacking the transfer and securing the Portuguese forward's signature on a two-year contract. Felix has already joined his new team-mates in Austria for pre-season training, marking the beginning of his new chapter in Saudi Arabia. His arrival further strengthens Al-Nassr's Portuguese contingent, following Ronaldo's new contract and Jesus' appointment as manager. This exciting development adds another layer to the growing international presence in the Saudi Pro League. The deal marks a significant financial investment for Al-Nassr, demonstrating their ambition and commitment to challenging for top honors in the league. The Saudi Pro League is quickly becoming a major player in global football, attracting top talent from around the world.