Joao Felix's next chapter comes with an enormous financial incentive in Saudi Arabia with the forward more than doubling his Chelsea salary.

Felix joins Al-Nassr on a two-year dealBenfica’s move for their former starArrival aims at boosting Al-Nassr’s title ambitionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Felix has completed a high-profile transfer to Al-Nassr, joining Cristiano Ronaldo after Chelsea agreed to a reported €50 million (£44m/$58m) deal consisting of an initial €30m fee plus €20m in performance-related add-ons. Felix signs a two-year contract that will see his wages jump from the €8m salary he was on at Chelsea to a staggering €17.5m (£15m/$20m) per year at Al-Nassr, reports. This massive pay increase places the attacker among the top earners in the Saudi Pro League, surpassed only by Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane. The deal came after Felix abandoned prolonged talks with Benfica, requiring a significant pay cut to return to his boyhood club, when the lucrative Saudi offer arrived.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Felix's career trajectory saw a steep decline after his €126m (£110m/$147m) move to Atletico Madrid. Struggling for consistency, he failed to establish himself at Atletico, Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan, despite flashes of talent. Benfica were keen for a homecoming, which Felix himself had publicly stated he wanted, but the Eagles could not match Chelsea's asking price or his salary. Ultimately, Al-Nassr’s financial clout, along with Ronaldo’s active involvement – reportedly persuading his compatriot to sign in order to build national team chemistry ahead of the 2026 World Cup – quickly changed the course of negotiations. Chelsea are expected to use proceeds from the sale to pursue further reinforcements this window.

DID YOU KNOW?

Felix is set to join up with Al-Nassr’s squad for their pre-season preparations in Austria. The Saudi club are targeting domestic and continental silverware, with Felix expected to be a regular starter and develop on-pitch chemistry with Ronaldo.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JOAO FELIX & AL-NASSR?

For Felix, the move offers a clear run at regular football, an opportunity to rehabilitate his career, and the platform to impress ahead of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign. Benfica, meanwhile, will look elsewhere after missing out on their prodigal son once again, while Chelsea are anticipated to accelerate their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as the transfer window progresses.