Portuguese attacker João Félix seemed to be about to return to Benfica to that a dramatic last-minute turn saw him go to Saudi Arabia instead. With Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus who leads the recruitment spush, the 24-year-old has agreed to join AL Nassr to a deal with a value of around $ 55 million, including performance-based bonuses. Chelsea, his current club, will earn more from this step than they would have by selling it back to Benfica.
It is an unexpected turn in Félix's career trajectory. A return to Benfica-de Club where he was on stage for the first time before his record-breaking transfer of $ 140 million to Atlético Madrid in 2019 probably. But Chelsea got hold of their asking price and Benfica President Rui Costa was not willing to stretch further than the financial limits of the club. That opened the door for Al Nassr, who moved quickly and decisively.
Cristiano Ronaldo Pounces to secure João Félix
Jorge Jesus, now at the helm of the Saudi club, has long been an admirer of Félix and tried to bring him to Al Hilal earlier. This time, with the added attraction of Cristiano Ronaldo – the most influential figure in Portuguese football – managed to close the deal in it. The transfer is also financially useful for Chelsea, who earns back a significant part of the $ 57 million that they paid Atlético Madrid last summer. However, Atlético does not receive a reduction in this sale, because their agreement only included a percentage of any future profit – and Chelsea sold with a loss.
Félix had been out of the grace at Stamford Bridge for a while. He stayed out of the schedule for Chelsea's Club World Cup team almost two months ago, a clear sign that the new head coach Enzo Maresca had no plans for him. Only a few weeks ago the player stated publicly that he was open before returning to Benfica – but the deal broke when the Lisbon club could not meet the financial requirements of Chelsea in advance.
Now Félix will sign at Al Nassr until 2028. The club, which is currently on a pre -season tour in Austria, has already approved its medical.
Portugal -star Félix wants to revive a career
By doing this, Félix closes a six -year chapter of bouncing between Europe's six -year -old elite clubs without ever really taking it. Atlético, Chelsea, Barcelona, Milan – his immense talent was clear, but also a frustrating inconsistency and lack of impact. At Al Nassr he gets the chance to lead, enjoy his football again and to prove that he still has enough to offer.
With a growing number of Portuguese players who join Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and the World Cup 2026 on the Horizon, João Félix Groot gambles on a new start in addition to his international captain in the middle -east.
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