By GETHIN HICKS
Published: | Updated:
Joao Felix has left Chelsea to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old Portugal international moved to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid last summer, having had an earlier spell with the Blues on loan in 2023.
He made 20 appearances for Enzo Maresca‘s side in the first half of the season – but started only three Premier League games – before leaving for AC Milan on loan in January.
‘We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future,’ Chelsea said in the statement.
Felix has signed a two-year contract with his new club. Al-Nassr have reportedly paid an initial £26million transfer fee, although add-ons could see that rise as high as £43million – close to the sum Chelsea paid Atletico for his services last summer.
He joins his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who announced his arrival with a short video on social media in which Felix said: ‘I am here to spread joy. Let’s win together.’
Joao Felix has become the latest player to make the move to Saudi Arabia this week
He has signed a two-year deal at Al-Nassr, where he will join forces with his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo
The Blues have received a £26million fee for Felix, which could rise to as much as £43m
Felix had been linked with a return to his boyhood club Benfica, but a move didn’t materialise.
Chelsea are also believed to be open to offers for Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling, who are surplus to requirements under Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile the Blues have been edging closer to the completion of a move for RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.
He’s expected to leave the German side after they failed to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.
Simons only joined Leipzig on a permanent basis last summer in a deal worth an initial £43m, with a further £26m possible in add-ons.
He had previously spent two seasons on loan at the club from French giants PSG, while the former Barcelona academy prospect had also spent a year at PSV.
The 22-year-old is believed to be open to a move to Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having held initial talks with his representatives.
Chelsea have already strengthened heavily in attacking areas during the transfer window, with strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining for £60m and £30m respectively.
The attacking midfielder only joined Chelsea permanently last summer before being loaned out to AC Milan
The Blues are reportedly closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons
They’ve already sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal in a £52m deal earlier his month.
Chelsea boss Maresca admitted last month that Christopher Nkunku may leave the club this summer.
The west London side appear open to his departure despite signing the 27-year-old on a six-year deal for a hefty £52.7million just two years ago.
Striker Nicolas Jackson has too been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after the arrival of Delap from Ipswich Town.
