Joao Felix is no longer on Chelsea’s books after completing a move to Al-Nassr.
On Tuesday afternoon, Chelsea confirmed that Joao Felix has departed on a permanent basis to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he will link up with international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old attacker spent a brief loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023. Afterwards, the Blues signed him permanently a year ago from Atletico Madrid.
Even though Felix scored seven goals in 20 Chelsea appearances during the first half of the 2024/25 season, he left on loan in January to play for AC Milan. The Portuguese forward has now sealed a permanent exit to play in Saudi Arabia.
Despite claims that Benfica went big to re-sign Felix this summer, he’s yet another high-profile footballer to try the Saudi Pro League.
Joao Felix posts message after Chelsea sale is confirmed
The reality is that it’s not worked out for Felix in Chelsea colours, which is a massive shame because he’s got huge individual talent.
After the Blues confirmed his sale via Instagram, Felix posted a short message in the comment section that supporters are likely to enjoy.
Earlier in July, Felix admitted he would like to sign for Benfica, which is where he started his senior career. There’s a good argument to be made that he looked at his very best, too.
Previous reports claim that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca doesn’t particularly rate Felix, so perhaps his second spell at Stamford Bridge was always bound to fail.
Xavi Simons must not fall into Joao Felix trap
Reports this week claim Chelsea are getting closer to signing Xavi Simons, the talented RB Leipzig attacking midfielder. On paper, the 22-year-old creative Dutchman is a like-for-like replacement for Felix in West London.
It must be a concern for Blues transfer targets that the likes of Felix and Christopher Nkunku have struggled to succeed at Chelsea.
In terms of Simons, the versatile attacker will add depth on the wings and the No.10 position if his transfer is completed. He plays with the same kind of creativity and freeness as Felix on the football pitch, but it takes more than just that to shine in Maresca’s new-look Blues XI.
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