Portuguese Star Heads to Saudi League in Blockbuster Move
Al-Nassr has finalized a landmark agreement worth up to £43.7 million to secure Chelsea forward Joao Felix, with the 25-year-old already en route to Riyadh for his medical examination. The deal marks Felix’s return to his former club Benfica, whose interest in the player was overseen earlier in the process.
Upon completion, Felix will join fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, reigniting their international partnership in Saudi Arabia’s top flight. This marks a significant financial windfall for Chelsea, who recouped their £45 million investment from Atletico Madrid and an additional £5 million from Felix’s six-month loan stint at AC Milan earlier this year.
The transfer comes amid Chelsea’s aggressive summer overhaul, having already sold goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and winger Noni Madueke. With approximately £130 million raised, the club continues to offload assets, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Armando Broja.
Despite splurging £212 million on reinforcements like Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Joao Pedro, and pursuing midfielder Xavi Simons and defender Jorrel Hato, Chelsea faces pressure from UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations. The club, fined £27 million in 2022 for breaching spending rules, must achieve a "positive transfer balance" this summer to avoid restrictions on Champions League participation.
The Felix deal underscores Al-Nassr’s growing influence in global football, while Chelsea’s mixed transfer strategy highlights the delicate balance between reinforcing ambitions and financial compliance mandates.
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