Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are set to welcome a high-profile addition to their attacking lineup, with Chelsea forward Joao Felix on the verge of completing a £43.7 million move to the Saudi Arabian club. The 25-year-old Portuguese international is expected to undergo a medical in Riyadh within days, finalizing a transfer that could reshape Al-Nassr’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
Felix, who initially joined Chelsea on loan in 2023 before signing permanently in 2024, has been a subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer. The move to Al-Nassr will see him reunite with his national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo, adding another layer of attacking depth to the Saudi side. The opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo again is believed to have been a major factor in Felix’s decision, even as interest from former club Benfica loomed.
His addition reinforces Al-Nassr’s growing reputation as a powerhouse destination for top-tier European talent, joining a wave of star names drawn to the Saudi Pro League by competitive salaries and ambitious football projects. The Riyadh-based club is keen to dominate both domestically and in continental competitions, and the arrival of Joao Felix further strengthens their position.
From Chelsea’s perspective, the deal represents a successful piece of business. The club effectively recoups the £45 million spent to secure Felix from Atletico Madrid, while also benefiting from a £5 million loan fee paid by AC Milan earlier in the year.
This move comes amid a broader restructuring at Stamford Bridge as the club aims to balance books while adhering to UEFA’s strict financial regulations. Chelsea have already offloaded several players, including goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, as well as winger Noni Madueke. These sales have generated around £130 million, though more exits are expected before the window closes.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Armando Broja are reportedly available, with Chelsea needing to ensure a positive transfer balance to avoid potential restrictions on Champions League player registration. Despite heavy spending that has surpassed £212 million this summer, financial compliance remains a top priority for the club.
