OFFICIAL: Chelsea confirm Joao Felix transfer to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • Updated: 29 Jul 2025 13:18 BST
  • 4 min read
Joao Felix, Chelsea, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Chelsea have confirmed the exit of Joao Felix to Al-Nassr on a permanent deal after just one year at the club, with the Portuguese international now linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

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Felix joined Chelsea last summer for €52 million but he immediately found himself out in the cold at Stamford Bridge, making just three Premier League starts before being loaned to Milan in January.

Current ETV
Player image João Félix
João Félix

F (L), M (C)

Chelsea logo

Chelsea

João Félix
João Félix

F (L), M (C)

Chelsea

Chelsea

€25.4M

ETV Range

€22.9M - €28M

The 25-year-old’s time in Italy was disastrous with just two goals in 15 minutes and Felix returned to Chelsea as part of their ‘bomb squad’ of this summer containing players who would not be involved in Enzo Maresca’s first team.

Felix had held significant talks with Benfica and had been set for a return to his boyhood club but Al-Nassr have now completed his signing for €30 million plus add-ons and a ‘heavy’ sell-on clause, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Curiously, Felix has only signed a two-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, having been contracted to Chelsea until 2031 after Ronaldo reportedly convinced his international teammate to join the club.

Felix departs Chelsea after playing 40 games across two spells including a loan stint in 2023, having netted 11 times, of which five were in the Premier League.

Chelsea set to continue summer business after Felix exit

Chelsea will continue to focus on more outgoings after Felix’s exit, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku still out in the cold under Maresca.

The Blues are also expected to confirm he imminent signings of Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato, with both players in advanced talks to join from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively.

Joao Felix has left Chelsea.
© IMAGO - Joao Felix has left Chelsea.

Chelsea are also interested in signing Alejandro Garnacho this summer and could make a move for the Manchester United winger if Sterling departs, with Fulham and Napoli considering moves for the 30-year-old.

There is also doubt over the future of Nicolas Jackson, who has attracted interest from Premier League sides such as Newcastle and Aston Villa, although Chelsea are holding out for a fee of more than €80 million for the forward.

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