Al Nassr agrees £43.7m deal to sign Chelsea forward Joao Felix, paving the way for Xavi Simons to join the Blues.
Al Nassr has agreed a £43.7m deal to sign Chelsea forward João Felix, with the fee consisting of an initial £26.2m and £17.5m in potential add-ons. The 25-year-old Portuguese international has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Al Nassr’s offer seems to have convinced Chelsea to sell.
Felix joined Chelsea permanently last summer for around £45m, and the Blues are set to recoup most of that figure with this deal. He spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, scoring three goals in 19 appearances. Despite not establishing himself at Chelsea, the club will benefit financially from his sale.
The move will also accelerate Chelsea’s pursuit of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons. With further new signings dependent on exits, Felix’s departure will pave the way for Simons to join the Blues. Chelsea’s transfer strategy this summer seems to be focused on reshaping their squad, and Felix’s sale is a part of that process.
Al Nassr’s interest in Felix is part of their efforts to strengthen their squad and win the Saudi Pro League. They have already extended Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and appointed experienced Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus as their new head coach. With these moves, Al Nassr is showing their ambition to compete at the top level.
Felix’s former club, Benfica were previously in talks to re-sign the player, but Al Nassr’s offer has won out. With the deal all but done, Felix is set to join Al Nassr and become a key player for the club.
