João Félix won’t be returning to Chelsea. And he’s not putting on a Milan shirt again either. After yet another quiet spell at a major European club, the Portuguese forward has been sold to Al-Nassr for €30 million, with clauses that could push the deal to €50 million, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The move ends a long period of uncertainty about Félix’s future. He’ll now play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and under the guidance of Jorge Jesus.
The proposal is good for all sides
At 24, the player once hailed as Cristiano Ronaldo’s natural successor is walking away from the top tier of European soccer with a career defined more by hype than by results. During a six-month loan at Milan, he managed just three goals in 21 appearances. The Italian club declined to make the move permanent, which meant a return to Chelsea, something neither the English club nor Félix himself seemed interested in.
With a Saudi offer on the table, Chelsea took the opportunity to offload an expensive, underperforming asset. The truth is, João Félix had become a burden for the Blues, never quite fitting into any tactical plan. Al-Nassr came in with cash, a structured project, and emotional appeal. For everyone involved, the deal brought more relief than regret.
The challenge of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
At Al-Nassr, João Félix will face the challenge of sharing the field with Cristiano Ronaldo. This time, though, he won’t be seen as Ronaldo’s heir, he’ll simply be playing with him. That shift alone can ease the pressure and give Félix room to rediscover who he is as a player.
Cristiano, now 39, remains a symbol of relentless competitiveness and focus. Having someone like that nearby could be exactly what Félix needs, not just in terms of talent, but in daily work ethic and attitude. Félix has never had a teammate with that kind of leadership. In past clubs, he competed with bigger names and usually lost space. Now, the hierarchy is clear. So are the expectations.
Another positive factor is Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese coach has a track record of getting the most out of creative players. He’ll demand intensity, discipline, and commitment, but he might finally give Félix what he’s lacked in recent years, a defined role and tactical structure that fits his style. That’s been rare in Félix’s career so far.
Going to Saudi Arabia isn’t exactly a statement of ambition. It’s not about fighting for Champions League glory or rising in Europe’s elite. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Plenty of players have found their best form after stepping away from the European spotlight. The pressure fades, the environment shifts, and the soccer can flow again. Now it’s up to Félix to make something of it.