Joao Felix has officially become the rookie of Al Nassr, closing the journey of many ups and downs in Europe to join the Saudi Pro League. This deal was completed for £ 43.7 million (50 million euros), and the Portuguese player launched a new team in a monumental ceremony in Riyadh.
Felix, 25, broke up with Chelsea after the 2024/25 season, did not really stand out, where he only scored 5 goals in the Premier League. Although it was once considered the “prodigy” of European football when joining Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £ 113 million, Felix's career fell into the loop of the transfer and the brilliant moments of disappointing.
At the launching ceremony, Joao Felix said emotionally: “I come here with the desire to fight, win the title and learn from the best people. Al Nassr is part of the new journey, and I am very excited to be with Cristiano Ronaldo, my biggest idol from an early age.”
Al Nassr expects Felix's appearance to enhance the depth of the attack and help the team compete the title both in the country and the AFC Champions League. He side by side with Ronaldo, Otavio, Sadio Mane and Brozovic, the top stars arrived at the club in the wave of money from Saudi Arabia.
The source from The Athletic said the deal was completed quickly after Chelsea agreed the price of £ 43.7 million, lower than the amount of £ 46.3 million that the Blues spent to bring him back from Atletico. However, the discount is indispensable when Felix has only two years of contract and no longer in the long -term plan of coach Enzo Maresca.
Portuguese media described this as a “iconic reunion” between Felix and Ronaldo, the two biggest generations of Portuguese football in the past two decades. Al Nassr hopes this combination not only brings professional success but also creates a strong communication effect, especially in the European and South American markets.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will use the money collected from this deal to continue rebuilding the squad under Maresca, with the goal of reaching the top 4 Premier League next season.