Report: Joao Felix set for Saudi switch as Al-Nassr close in

The 25-year-old had been on Benfica's radar for a potential homecoming, but it's Al-Nassr who have surged ahead in the race for his signature. Backed by star power and Portuguese influence - including Cristiano Ronaldo's contract extension and the recent appointment of veteran coach Jorge Jesus - Al-Nassr is aggressively reinforcing their squad in a bid to claim domestic dominance.

Felix only made his Chelsea move permanent last season after a 45 million pounds transfer from Atletico Madrid, following a brief and underwhelming loan spell in 2023. Despite never fully finding his feet at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are set to recoup nearly their full investment in the player.

The Blues had also pocketed a 5 million pounds fee when Felix joined AC Milan on loan earlier this year. With his departure now imminent, Chelsea will have room to pursue key targets - most notably RB Leipzig's dynamic attacker Xavi Simons - as they look to reshape their squad under financial fair play constraints.

For Felix, the move marks a significant shift in direction. Once hailed as one of Europe's brightest young talents after a breakout season at Benfica, his career has since stalled amid inconsistent form and repeated moves. Now, he joins a growing list of European stars taking the Saudi route-not necessarily for development, but for a fresh start and, undeniably, financial gain.

Al-Nassr's strategy appears calculated: surround Ronaldo with familiar faces, reinforce with fellow Portuguese leadership, and create a structure that blends star power with tactical cohesion. Felix, despite his struggles in Europe, still possesses the technical flair and versatility to thrive in a league where the pace of the game could play to his strengths.

From Chelsea's perspective, the sale represents smart business. After a chaotic couple of seasons marked by heavy spending and managerial turnover, the club is finally showing signs of pragmatism - clearing out surplus talent to make way for a more cohesive project. The funds from Felix's sale are expected to be quickly reinvested, with the pursuit of Xavi Simons reportedly accelerating as a result.

Whether Felix can finally realize his potential under the Saudi spotlight remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Saudi Pro League continues to reshape football's global map, and Felix is the latest star to help draw its new lines.