sevendayweekender – Al-Nassr secured a deal worth up to £43.7 million to sign Chelsea forward João Felix. Making it one of the Saudi Pro League’s biggest transfers this summer. The 25-year-old Portuguese international received permission to travel to Riyadh, where he will undergo a medical and finalize personal terms. Felix will join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, forming an exciting Portuguese attacking duo. Al-Nassr outpaced Benfica, Felix’s former club, who also attempted to bring him back, but the Saudi side acted quickly to complete the transfer.
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This deal allows Chelsea to recoup nearly the entire £45 million they paid Atlético Madrid to make Felix’s move permanent last summer. In addition, the Blues had already earned £5 million from a six-month loan deal that saw Felix play for AC Milan earlier this year. The transfer comes as Chelsea look to reduce their wage bill and streamline their squad. In recent weeks, the London club has sold goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, as well as winger Noni Madueke. These exits are part of a broader financial strategy ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Al-Nassr’s acquisition of Felix aligns with their continued ambition to compete for domestic and continental honors. By adding a creative and technically gifted attacker to their roster, they aim to close the gap with rivals and maintain a strong presence in Asia’s top competitions. Felix’s move is also another clear sign of the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive approach in attracting top European talent. With his experience at top clubs and his international pedigree, Felix is expected to be a key figure in Al-Nassr’s upcoming season.
Chelsea Restructure Squad Under UEFA Financial Fair Play Pressure
Chelsea’s high-profile transfer of João Felix is part of a broader strategy to achieve financial stability amid increasing pressure from UEFA. The club was fined £27 million for previous financial irregularities and must now ensure a positive transfer balance this summer. Failure to do so could result in bans on registering new players for Champions League matches. To comply with these regulations, Chelsea have been active in the market. So far, they have raised around £130 million through player sales. Additional departures are likely, with several first-team players including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Armando Broja reportedly up for sale.
Despite needing to cut costs, Chelsea have still spent approximately £212 million on new signings. Additions include forward Liam Delap, winger Jamie Gittens, and striker João Pedro. The club is also pursuing deals for Dutch defender Jorrel Hato and versatile midfielder Xavi Simons, though negotiations remain ongoing. Chelsea’s spending reflects a focus on young, high-potential talent as the club transitions into a more sustainable long-term model. The recent Club World Cup win added to their trophy cabinet, but financial compliance remains a critical objective for the board.
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The sale of Felix signals a shift in Chelsea’s squad-building strategy—fewer big-name stars, more emphasis on youth and balance. As the summer window progresses, Chelsea will need to navigate the fine line between remaining competitive and meeting financial obligations. For Al-Nassr, the signing marks another statement of intent. With João Felix alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the club is poised to make a strong challenge in both league and continental play this season.
