In one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, Portuguese forward João Félix has officially joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr from English side Chelsea, signing a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The 25-year-old attacker, once labelled one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, becomes the latest high-profile addition to Al-Nassr’s star-studded squad, joining fellow countryman and global icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Nassr confirmed the signing on Monday evening with a bold social media post that read: “João Félix is a Nasraoui.” The announcement comes after weeks of speculation and negotiations, during which Félix was also linked with a return to Benfica, the club where his professional career first took off.
Although financial terms were not officially disclosed, reports suggest the transfer was completed for an initial fee of around €30 million, with performance-based add-ons potentially increasing the total package to €50 million. The move ends a turbulent spell for Félix at Chelsea, where he failed to secure a permanent starting role despite his undeniable talent.
Félix, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at FC Barcelona and briefly featured for AC Milan earlier this year, now embarks on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia—a country fast becoming a magnet for global football stars.
Speaking after the announcement, Félix said: “I’m excited for this new chapter. Al-Nassr is a club with big ambitions and I’m here to enjoy football again and help the team win titles.”
His arrival is seen as a major coup for Al-Nassr, who continue to assert their dominance in both domestic and continental competitions. Coach Jorge Jesus, also Portuguese, is expected to play a key role in revitalizing Félix’s form, with the duo already familiar from their shared time in Portugal.
The forward will soon join Al-Nassr’s pre-season training camp in Austria and is expected to feature in the upcoming Saudi Super Cup and AFC Champions League campaigns.
While some critics argue that the move may represent a step away from the highest level of European football, others view it as a strategic decision for a player still in his prime, both professionally and financially.
One thing is certain—João Félix’s journey is far from over, and the Saudi Pro League has just gained another superstar.
