JOÃO FÉLIX JOINS AL NASSR IN €45M PERMANENT TRANSFER FROM CHELSEA

The Portuguese attacker becomes the latest in a growing list of elite players to head to the Middle East, where he will link up with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo and work under the leadership of manager Jorge Jesus.

JOÃO FÉLIX AL NASSR TRANSFER: A NEW CHAPTER IN RIYADH

João Félix’s move to Al Nassr marks a significant chapter in both his career and the evolution of the Saudi Pro League. According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is finalized, with Chelsea securing around €30 million upfront, plus performance-based bonuses and a strategic sell-on clause that could elevate the total package to €45–50 million.

Félix had returned to Chelsea after a mixed loan spell at Atlético Madrid, but with no concrete role in Enzo Maresca’s squad and no permanent move from La Liga, the Blues opted to offload the 24-year-old.

WHY AL NASSR?

Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozović, is on a mission to reclaim the Saudi Pro League title and challenge for regional dominance. Signing João Félix aligns with their aggressive recruitment drive and bolsters their attacking options.

The addition of Félix gives Al Nassr a versatile forward capable of playing as a false nine, second striker, or inverted winger—a key asset in Jorge Jesus’s tactical system.

“João Félix is still one of the most technically gifted players in world football,” said a club insider to AS. “In the right environment, he can rediscover the spark that once made him a Ballon d’Or hopeful.”

FALL FROM EUROPEAN ELITE?

The move has raised eyebrows. Once a €126 million signing for Atlético Madrid in 2019, João Félix’s career trajectory has been tumultuous. He struggled to consistently fit into Diego Simeone’s system, and loan spells to Chelsea and Barcelona produced flashes of brilliance but little lasting impact.

Critics argue that a move to Saudi Arabia at the age of 24 reflects a player choosing comfort over competition. But others believe Félix may finally have found a system and environment where he can rebuild his confidence and enjoy creative freedom.

For Chelsea, this transfer provides a much-needed injection of cash and trims down their bloated attacking ranks. It also clears the way for their pursuit of Xavi Simons, with the Dutch talent reportedly one of the club’s next major targets. (Sky Sports)

FÉLIX’S CAREER IN NUMBERS

Stats as of July 2025. Source: Transfermarkt

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE?

João Félix’s arrival continues the Saudi League’s ambition to position itself as a global football destination. After attracting players like Neymar, Benzema, Mahrez, and Kante in 2023–24, the latest wave now includes younger, still-prime talents.

While some see this trend as a detour from Europe’s top leagues, others believe it’s reshaping the global balance of football power. With players like Félix making the move in their mid-20s, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a retirement league—it’s becoming a strategic option.

IMOLESPORT TAKE

This is a bold and possibly career-defining move for João Félix. Whether it marks the beginning of a long-term stay in Saudi Arabia or a platform for a future return to Europe, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Riyadh when the new season kicks off.

For more on Saudi transfers, visit our Transfer Hub and check out our recent analysis of Saudi Pro League dominance.