João Félix continues his career in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese forward is making the move to Al-Nassr, where he will join fellow countrymen Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus. This puts an end to hopes of a romantic return to Benfica.
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The club from Lisbon seemed to be in a strong position to bring Félix back, but ultimately had to pull out of the race for his signature.
Benfica, where João Félix began his professional career and quickly rose to stardom, had long been seen as the sentimental favorite for a return. The idea of bringing back their golden boy, who left in 2019 for a then-club-record fee of 126 million euros, captured the imagination of Benfica fans. Talks reportedly took place between Félix’s representatives and Benfica's sporting department, with president Rui Costa personally involved in exploring potential scenarios that would make the return possible including loan deals with salary adjustments and performance-based bonuses.
However, the reality of modern football economics quickly became clear. Benfica, while dominant domestically and competitive in European competitions, operates under a far more modest budget compared to clubs backed by sovereign wealth funds or state-linked ownership groups. In this case, it was Al-Nassr one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs and a major force in the Saudi Pro League’s expansion strategy that emerged as the strongest bidder. Financially, Benfica simply couldn't match the offer presented by Al-Nassr, both in terms of the transfer fee demanded by Chelsea and the wages Félix would receive.
According to English media outlets, Chelsea was holding firm on its valuation of Félix. The London club had paid 52 million euros to Atlético Madrid just a year earlier to secure the Portuguese international on a permanent basis, after a short loan spell. Despite his mixed performances at Chelsea and, more recently, at AC Milan (where he spent the 2024/25 season on loan), the club was determined not to suffer a major loss on the investment. Al-Nassr’s proposal reportedly aligned with Chelsea’s financial expectations, something that Benfica simply couldn’t achieve.
On Monday, João Félix was spotted training at Al-Nassr’s facilities, already integrated into the group and sharing the pitch with fellow Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The image of both players together in yellow and blue sparked a wave of reactions online, symbolizing not only the evolution of the Saudi league but also a moment of transition in Félix’s career. Also playing a potential role in the move was Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr’s new head coach and a familiar face to Félix Jesus was the manager of Benfica shortly before Félix’s breakthrough and remains one of Portugal’s most respected coaches.
The Saudi Pro League has been aggressively expanding in recent years, aiming to transform its domestic competition into a global football hub. Through high-profile signings, improved infrastructure, and massive salary offers, clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad have attracted stars such as Neymar, Benzema, Mané, Kanté, and now João Félix. For the 25-year-old forward, this move represents a chance to restart his career in a different context, away from the pressures of European media and tactical systems that never seemed to fully suit his style. In Saudi Arabia, he’ll have the freedom to express himself creatively, and with less defensive rigidity than he experienced under Simeone or even at Milan.
From Chelsea’s perspective, this transfer is more than just offloading a player. It’s part of a broader financial rebalancing after years of high expenditure under the ownership of Todd Boehly. The club spent heavily in the post-Abramovich era, bringing in dozens of players, often on long-term contracts, in an attempt to build a new era. However, the lack of sporting success combined with the demands of UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations (formerly FFP) forced Chelsea to start trimming its squad. Selling Félix for a substantial fee not only helps recover past investment but also opens the door for other moves.
One of the top targets for Chelsea is Xavi Simons the Dutch international currently at RB Leipzig, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Simons is seen as a dynamic, modern midfielder with attacking flair and versatility. Reports suggest that the player is open to a new challenge, especially if Leipzig and PSG fail to agree on a permanent deal. Chelsea, now with more financial wiggle room after the Félix transfer, is expected to move quickly to secure Simons, though competition from other Premier League clubs and PSG themselves could complicate the negotiations.
Back in Lisbon, there is a sense of disappointment among supporters. Benfica fans had hoped for a fairytale return a symbolic reunion that would demonstrate the club’s ambition and reconnect with one of the most exciting talents ever produced by their academy. Instead, Félix's path has taken him to the Middle East, highlighting the ever-growing influence of Saudi clubs on the global transfer market. What was once considered a league for aging stars at the twilight of their careers is now becoming a legitimate destination for players in their prime, driven by a combination of financial incentives and ambitious sporting projects.
As for Félix, his career now enters a new chapter. After struggling to live up to the expectations created by his record-breaking move to Atlético Madrid, and enduring inconsistent spells at Chelsea and Milan, the opportunity in Saudi Arabia could serve as a much-needed reset. Surrounded by Portuguese influences, less tactical pressure, and the freedom to be a leading figure in a team with continental aspirations, Félix may finally rediscover the spark that made him a generational talent just a few years ago.
Updated: 03:50, 29 Jul 2025
