Barely a year after rejoining Chelsea in a short-lived return, João Félix has officially completed a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in a deal worth €30 million, potentially rising to €50 million with add-ons.
Félix’s trajectory continues to be one of immense promise tempered by underwhelming consistency. In his latest Chelsea stint, he flashed his trademark flair — but mainly against weaker opposition in the UEFA Conference League. When the stakes were higher, his influence waned. A loan spell at AC Milan followed, where the narrative remained much the same: brilliance in glimpses, but no decisive breakthrough.
This summer, Félix found himself in the so-called “Bomb Squad,” training separately from the main group at Chelsea, alongside out-of-favour names like Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling.
For months, a romantic return to Benfica — where his meteoric rise began and led to a record €126 million move to Atlético Madrid in 2019 — seemed likely. But in modern football, money and marquee connections often speak louder. Al-Nassr offered both: a lucrative deal and the chance to link up with Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Jorge Jesus.
With Félix still just 25, this move might be seen by some as a detour from the European elite. But in the Saudi Pro League’s ever-expanding footballing experiment, it could be a career reboot — or at the very least, a financially rewarding new chapter.
Best of luck, João — Saudi Arabia awaits your magic.
