Portuguese forward João Félix appeared to be on the verge of a return to Benfica — until a dramatic last-minute turn saw him head to Saudi Arabia instead. With Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus leading the recruitment push, the 24-year-old has agreed to join Al Nassr in a deal worth around $55 million, including performance-based bonuses. Chelsea, his current club, will earn more from this move than they would have from selling him back to Benfica.
It’s an unexpected twist in Félix’s career trajectory. A return to Benfica — the club where he first burst onto the scene before his record-breaking $140 million transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2019 — seemed likely. But Chelsea held firm on their asking price, and Benfica president Rui Costa was unwilling to stretch beyond the club’s financial limits. 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 previously tried to bring him to Al Hilal. This time, with the added pull of Cristiano Ronaldo — the most influential figure in Portuguese football — Al Nassr managed to seal the deal. The transfer also makes financial sense for Chelsea, who recoup a significant portion of the $57 million they paid Atlético Madrid last summer. Atlético, however, won’t receive a cut of this sale, as their agreement only included a percentage of any future profit — and Chelsea are selling at a loss.
Félix had been out of favor at Stamford Bridge for some time. He was left off the roster for Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad nearly two months ago, a clear sign that new head coach Enzo Maresca had no plans for him. Just weeks ago, the player publicly stated that he was open to returning to Benfica — but the deal broke down when the Lisbon club couldn’t meet Chelsea’s financial demands upfront.
Now, Félix is set to sign with Al Nassr through 2028. The club, currently on a preseason tour in Austria, has already approved his medical.
Portugal star Félix looking to resurrect career
In doing so, Félix closes — or at least pauses — a six-year chapter of bouncing between Europe’s elite clubs without ever truly settling. Atlético, Chelsea, Barcelona, Milan — his immense talent was evident, but so too was a frustrating inconsistency and lack of impact. At Al Nassr, he’ll get the chance to lead, to enjoy his soccer again, and to prove he still has plenty to offer.
With a growing number of Portuguese players joining Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, João Félix is betting big on a fresh start alongside his international captain in the Middle East.