Joao Felix has completed a permanent move from Chelsea to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, signing a two-year contract in a deal that could be worth as much as 43.7 million (50 million). The agreement includes an initial fee of 26.2 million (30 million), with a further 17.5 million (20 million) in potential add-ons.
The 25-year-old Portugal international, who once commanded a 113 million transfer fee from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019, remains one of the most expensive signings in football history in terms of initial cost.
Felix had been in talks over a possible return to Benfica earlier this summer, but Al-Nassr ultimately won the race for his signature. The Saudi club, who recently extended Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and appointed experienced compatriot Jorge Jesus as manager, are making an aggressive push for the league title.
Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Felix will help facilitate the club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with further incoming transfers contingent on player exits. The Blues are looking to reshape their squad ahead of the new season, and this sale represents a significant recoup of funds.
Felix initially joined Chelsea on loan in January 2023 from Atletico Madrid. Following that half-season spell, he returned to London permanently in August 2024 for a reported fee of 46.3 million. Last season, he made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals, but struggled to secure a regular starting role.
Despite failing to fully establish himself during either spell at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have managed to recoup nearly the full amount spent on the forward.
Felix’s post-Benfica career has seen him turn out for some of Europe’s biggest clubs – including Atltico Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Chelsea – but consistency has eluded him. Notably, he has never managed to score more than 10 goals in a single season since leaving Portugal.
Now 25, Felix heads to Saudi Arabia to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. The club confirmed the signing on social media platform X, writing: “Let’s win together Joo Flix is a Nasraoui.” In a brief video message, Flix added: “I’m here to have fun and win together.”
The move marks another high-profile addition to the growing roster of international stars in the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Nassr continue to build a squad capable of challenging domestically and across Asia.
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