João Félix joins up with Cristiano at Al Nassr

Al Nassr announced the signing of João Félix following the squad’s arrival in Austria for their summer stage. Chelsea accepted the offer of approximately $54 million (€50M) plus variables from the Saudi Arabian club for the Portuguese player.

João Félix joins up with Cristiano Ronaldo at what will be the sixth club of his career, following his spells at Benfica, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan. He enjoyed two separate spells with Atleti and Chelsea.

The 26-year-old, who is the fifth most expensive signing in football history ($137 million - €127.20 million), was close to completing his return to Benfica. However, Chelsea couldn’t reach a suitable financial agreement with Rui Costa’s team, who were forced to withdraw from the bidding process.

Cristiano and Jorge Jesus decisive in João Félix move

The efforts of Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus and his teammate in the Seleçao, Cristiano Ronaldo, have finally unraveled the João Félix saga. Chelsea recover part of its investment from a year ago with a player who was not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. This opens up the possibility of further reinforcing the squad (Xavi Simons is the Blues main target).

Chelsea paid Atlético Madrid $56 million (€52 million) for the Portuguese forward in the summer of 2024. João’s sale to Saudi Arabia won’t bring in any extra money at the Metropolitano as there was no sell-on clause in the deal.

In the multiple clauses inserted in the contract at the time, Atlético established a percentage of 20% of the capital gain that the Blues could make from his future sale. Since they are transferring him to Al Nassr for less than the original purchase price, Chelsea don’t have to pay Atlético any fees.

With this, João Félix ends (or at least a new beginning) six years of playing for major European teams. A player of immense quality, but who hasn’t fully exploited it as much as was expected when he rose to fame in 2019 with Benfica.

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