Chelsea Close to Sealing Joao Felix's Shock Big-Money Departure

Chelsea are close to finalizing an agreement to transfer João Félix to Al Nassr, a move that could remarkably allow the Blues to generate a profit from the unpredictable Portuguese attacker, multiple sources indicate.

Félix has made his position crystal clear that he envisions no future at Stamford Bridge. Manager Enzo Maresca shares this sentiment, having stripped the diminutive playmaker of his jersey number and excluding him from the Club World Cup squad.

Previous speculation about Félix's departure centered on a potential homecoming to his youth club. "Benfica represents home to me. Eventually, I will go back," he stated in an obvious transfer hint. "Whether that happens now or years from now remains uncertain. Should it be immediate, I would be delighted."

Earlier reports indicated that a deal to purchase 50% of Félix's registration for approximately €25 million (£21.7 million, $29.3 million) was nearly complete. However, in an unexpected development, it seems the 25-year-old is destined for the Saudi Pro League instead.

Following initial reports of Al Nassr's pursuit of Félix, Fabrizio Romano indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi club had reached the "concluding phases" of negotiating personal terms with the striker. Sky Sports News subsequently revealed that Al Nassr were "near" to settling on a transfer fee of approximately £44 million ($59.1 million) with Chelsea.

A follow-up report from Romano suggested the base fee would amount to roughly £26.2 million ($35.2 million), though performance bonuses and a "substantial sell-on percentage" would allegedly bring the total package to the same £44 million bracket.

Félix made his permanent switch to the Blues from Atlético Madrid one year ago for £45 million ($60.5 million). Taking into account the £5 million ($6.7 million) Chelsea reportedly received from AC Milan for Félix's loan during the latter portion of the 2024–25 season, the Premier League outfit's remarkably bold transfer strategy has somehow produced another lucrative transaction.

Chelsea won't spend time celebrating this remarkable transfer masterstroke. Reports suggest that Félix's exit will "fast-track" the acquisition of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

Maresca's team are believed to be in negotiations with their German counterparts over a Simons deal that might involve Carney Chukwuemeka heading to Leipzig as part of the arrangement.