LONDON (BN24) — Portugal international Joao Felix has left Chelsea to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in a deal that could reach £43.7 million (€50 million), the Premier League side confirmed Tuesday.
The move includes an initial transfer fee of £26.2 million (€30 million), with a further £17.5 million (€20 million) in performance-based add-ons. The 25-year-old forward had been in talks with his former club, Benfica, about a possible return. But Al Nassr hijacked the deal, finalizing terms as part of their efforts to bolster the squad after extending Ronaldo’s contract.
Felix had rejoined Chelsea permanently from Atletico Madrid last summer in a £46.3 million transfer, following a half-season loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023. During the 2024–25 season, he made 20 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea and scored seven goals.
Despite struggling to cement a regular role during either of his stints at the club, Chelsea have nearly recouped their investment. In February, the club also earned a £5 million loan fee when Felix joined AC Milan, where he added three goals in 19 appearances.
This summer, Chelsea have raised £135.7 million from player sales, reducing their net spend in the transfer window to £82.3 million.
Al Nassr’s acquisition of Felix underscores the Saudi club’s ambitions to challenge for the league title, building a high-profile squad around Ronaldo with significant financial backing.
Credit: SkySport
