Joao Felix has joined Saudi Pro-League side Al Nassr in a deal worth in the region of £43.7 million (€50m) from Chelsea this summer, signing a two-year deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The report also notes that the Portuguese international’s deal comprises an initial £26.2 million (€30m) fee and £17.5 million (€20m) in potential add-ons and a sell-on clause.
This now accelerates Chelsea’s pursuit of Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, after removing the former Benfica and Atletico Madrid forward from the club’s financial records.
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Felix is expected to meet up with his fellow Portuguese star and football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Saudi club prepares to secure the most coveted Saudi Pro League title since Ronaldo’s arrival three seasons ago.
Benfica, Felix’s former club, had been in discussions to re-sign the 25-year-old, but Al-Nassr have now finalized his transfer, and he has been confirmed by Chelsea.
The Riyadh club is aggressively seeking to take the title from Karim Benzema’s current holder, Al Ittihad, and perennial winners Al Hilal, after extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and appointing seasoned Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus as their new head coach.
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Felix rejoined Chelsea permanently last summer from Spanish giants Atletico for £46.3 million, following a half-season loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.
The Portugal international made 20 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring seven goals. Despite struggling to establish himself during either stint, Chelsea have nearly recouped their full £46.3 million investment in his permanent signing.
The FIFA Club World Cup winners, Chelsea, also earned a £5 million fee from Felix’s loan move to AC Milan, where he scored three goals in 19 appearances.
Overall, the club has generated £135.7 million from sales this summer, with a net spend of £82.3 million for the transfer window.
Al-Nassr has also confirmed the signing of one of Europe’s most talented players, aiming to help him rediscover his form and potentially lead the club to glory in Saudi Arabia’s Elite League alongside Ronaldo.
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