Background & Context
Portuguese forward João Félix, aged 25 and born in Viseu, previously burst onto the scene at Benfica before joining Atlético Madrid in 2019 for a staggering €127 million (making him the second‑most expensive teenager ever).
In August 2024, Chelsea FC signed him on a seven‑year contract for around €52 million (£42 million), with Conor Gallagher moving the opposite direction.
However, Félix struggled to make an impact under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. After limited playing time in the first half of the 2024–25 season, he was loaned in February 2025 to AC Milan until season’s end. During that stint, he made 21 appearances and contributed 3 goals and 1 assist. Despite scoring on his Milan debut against Roma in the Coppa Italia, he failed to win over fans or consistently perform.
Final Transfer Update: Al‑Nassr Enters the Picture
As of July 27, 2025, Al‑Nassr (Saudi Pro League) is on the verge of signing João Félix on a permanent transfer, outbidding suitors like Benfica. Chelsea have reportedly accepted a fee in the region of £43–£44 million (€50 million), including add‑ons. Personal terms have been agreed, and Félix is expected to undergo a medical soon.
Why the Move Makes Sense
- Chelsea are ready to offload Félix to fund the arrival of new attacking talent like Xavi Simons and Liam Delap, whom they value more in their squad planning.
- Benfica, despite Félix’s desire to return home and willingness to take a salary cut, couldn’t meet Chelsea’s financial demands. Their best offer of around €25 million for 50 % buy‑out rights fell short of Chelsea’s valuation.
- Félix himself appears to welcome the Al‑Nassr move—not only for its security and lucrative wage package (reportedly around £22 million per year, or £420k/week) but also for the opportunity to play in a new environment and reconnect with compatriots.
Career Snapshot at a Glance
| Club | Transfer / Loan Dates | Fee / Loan Terms | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Madrid | 2019–2024 | ~€127 million | 34 goals in 131 appearances |
| Chelsea | Aug 2024–2025 | Permanent €52 million | Scored early, then struggled |
| AC Milan (loan) | Feb–Jun 2025 | Loan deal with ~€5.5 m fee | 3 goals, 1 assist in 21 matches |
| Expected: Al‑Nassr (Saudi) | July 2025 | ~£43‑44 million, 5‑yr deal | Will team up with Ronaldo, Jesus |
What Lies Ahead for Félix?
- At Al‑Nassr, João Félix is expected to take a central attacking role and find consistency alongside a veteran squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
- This platform could help reboot his stalled career, offering more playing time and less intense media pressure than Europe.
- At 25 years old, he still has years ahead of him—including aiming to impress ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
Final Thoughts
João Félix’s move marks yet another turn in his unpredictable journey across top European clubs. After failing to cement himself at Chelsea or Milan, he now lands in Saudi Arabia as part of a bold sporting project backed by Al‑Nassr’s investment in Portuguese talent.
This transfer offers a fresh start — and possibly the stability and environment he needs to truly fulfill the promise he first showed at Benfica.