Joao Felix confirms transfer desire after Man Utd interest

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Al-Nassr forward Joao Felix has confirmed that he would like to return to Europe in the near future following rumoured interest from Manchester United during the recent transfer window.

The Portugal international joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea for €52 million last summer and he won the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season award following an excellent debut campaign in the Middle East, in which he registered 34 goal contributions in 33 league matches.

Felix was subsequently linked with a surprise move to Manchester United as they prepared for the possibility of Bruno Fernandes leaving the club, but talks never materialised as his compatriot opted to remain at Old Trafford rather than pursue an exit.

However, the 26-year-old’s long-term future at Al-Nassr is still in doubt and he has confirmed that he wants to explore a transfer if the right opportunity emerges.

“I'm very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year. I'll be 27 [years old] at the end of the season. I'm planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately,” Felix admitted during an interview with Spanish outlet AS (via The Evening Standard).

“I don't know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of next, but I'm eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again.

“It's always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that's what I'm thinking about.”

However, Felix, who spent five years at Atletico Madrid before his permanent transfer to Chelsea in 2024, has ruled out a move to their arch-rivals Real Madrid. “I would have been the biggest traitor in football,” he said when asked if he would consider joining Los Blancos.

Analysis: Who could Joao Felix join?

Data analytics experts SciSports believe that Newcastle United would be Felix’s best destination if he leaves Al-Nassr, with the Magpies recording a ‘Club Fit’ score of 82.

Inter Milan sit in second place, although Felix may have reservations about joining Cristian Chivu’s side following his loan spell at their arch-rivals AC Milan, while Manchester City are third.

Man Utd, however, rank as Felix’s 107th most suitable next club, with a Club Fit score of just 55 - the same as PSV Eindhoven, Paris FC and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Related stories:

Dani Olmo to Arsenal? What they're not telling you about this rumour

Transfer Rumours: Kevin Schade talks opened as Man Utd battle erupts