In a major development that adds further star power to the Saudi Pro League, Portuguese forward João Félix has officially signed for Al Nassr, joining international icon Cristiano Ronaldo in a move worth up to £43.7 million (€50 million).
The deal, which includes an initial £26.2 million (€30 million) fee with a further £17.5 million (€20 million) in potential add-ons, marks another headline-making moment in the league’s aggressive rise to global prominence. The transfer also represents a bold statement of intent from Al Nassr as they push to reclaim domestic dominance and assert themselves as a force in Asian football.
A Career of Highs, Lows, and Big Expectations
Still only 25 years old, Félix’s career has been a whirlwind since his breakout season at Benfica. Once the golden boy of Portuguese football, he earned a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a club-record fee of over £100 million. However, the immense pressure of expectations saw his progress fluctuate amid managerial clashes and tactical incompatibility.
A half-season loan to Chelsea in January 2023 provided flashes of brilliance, prompting the London club to make his stay permanent last summer in a deal worth £46.3 million. During the 2023/24 campaign, Félix made 20 appearances for the Blues, scoring seven goals, but he never fully settled into a cohesive role under Chelsea’s revolving door of managers.
Turning Point or Final Gamble?
Despite his struggles to cement a long-term role in Europe’s elite sides, Félix remains one of the most technically gifted attackers of his generation. His vision, flair, and ability to create from tight spaces made him a coveted asset, even as his consistency raised questions.
Al Nassr’s swoop for Félix came just as Benfica were deep in talks to bring their prodigal son home. But the Saudi club’s ambition and resources proved decisive. With Cristiano Ronaldo recently extending his contract with the Riyadh-based side, the opportunity to play alongside his legendary compatriot may have been too enticing for Félix to pass up.
Chelsea’s Smart Business Amid a Summer Shake-Up
From a business perspective, Chelsea can consider this a pragmatic win. In addition to the £43.7 million secured from Félix’s sale, they also earned £5 million from his loan spell at AC Milan earlier this year, where he scored three goals in 19 appearances.
All told, Chelsea have raised a substantial £135.7 million through player sales this summer alone, helping to offset their transfer spend and reshape a bloated squad. Their current net spend stands at £82.3 million, a far cry from the chaotic windows of the recent past.
A New Dawn in Saudi Arabia
For Félix, the move to Saudi Arabia could be both a fresh start and a redefining chapter. While some may see the transition as an early exit from Europe’s elite, the chance to shine alongside Ronaldo and spearhead Al Nassr’s ambitious project offers him something that’s eluded him in recent years: a stable environment and a leading role.
The Saudi Pro League’s transformation is no longer just about money, it’s about marquee matchups, international exposure, and rewriting the footballing map. And in João Félix, Al Nassr may have just secured a star ready to remind the world why he was once one of the game’s most coveted talents.
