Football BaBe
Joao Felix’s Massive Salary Boost at Al-Nassr: Teaming Up with Ronaldo After Chelsea Exit
In a surprising twist in the transfer market, Joao Felix has secured a remarkable financial upgrade by moving to Al-Nassr, where he’ll link up with Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. This shift not only revives his career prospects but also highlights the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted top talents with its lucrative offers. As the league continues to expand, with investments surpassing $1 billion in player transfers over the past two years, Felix’s decision underscores a trend where stars prioritize high earnings and consistent play over traditional European glamour.
- Joao Felix secures a two-year agreement with Al-Nassr
- Benfica‘s efforts to reunite with their past talent
- New signing designed to elevate Al-Nassr’s quest for trophies
Details of Joao Felix’s Al-Nassr Transfer and Salary Surge
The Portuguese forward has finalized a prominent switch to Al-Nassr, teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo following Chelsea’s acceptance of a €50 million (£44m/$58m) package. This includes a base payment of €30m alongside €20m in bonuses tied to achievements. Under his new two-year agreement, Felix’s annual earnings will skyrocket from €8m at Chelsea to an impressive €17.5m (£15m/$20m) in Saudi Arabia, according to reports from Correio da Manha. This hefty compensation positions him among the elite wage earners in the Saudi Pro League, trailing just behind stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane. The transition followed Felix’s decision to step away from drawn-out discussions with Benfica, which would have demanded a substantial reduction in pay for a nostalgic return to his childhood team, especially when Al-Nassr’s generous proposal emerged.
Challenges in Joao Felix’s Recent Career Path
Since his record-breaking €126m (£110m/$147m) transfer to Atletico Madrid, Felix’s professional journey has encountered numerous hurdles. He battled to deliver steady performances, unable to solidify his role during stints at Atletico, Chelsea, Barcelona, and even a brief period at AC Milan, though occasional brilliant moments shone through. Benfica expressed strong interest in welcoming back their academy product, a sentiment Felix echoed in public statements about desiring a comeback. However, the Portuguese side couldn’t meet Chelsea’s valuation or afford his current salary demands. In the end, Al-Nassr’s economic power proved decisive, bolstered by Ronaldo’s personal encouragement-said to focus on fostering synergy for Portugal‘s national squad in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. This persuasion mirrored how veteran players often mentor emerging talents, much like how icons guide young prospects in international setups. Chelsea, on their part, plan to channel the funds from this transaction toward bolstering their roster before the transfer deadline.
Joao Felix’s Integration into Al-Nassr and Future Prospects
Felix is poised to integrate with Al-Nassr during their preseason camp in Austria. The team is aiming high for success in local competitions and Asian tournaments, with expectations that Felix will become a key fixture in the lineup and forge a strong partnership with Ronaldo on the field.
Opportunities for Revival and Benfica’s Next Steps
This relocation provides Felix with consistent game time, a chance to rebuild his reputation, and a stage to shine for Portugal’s ambitions at the 2026 World Cup. Recent updates show the Saudi Pro League’s rising competitiveness, with attendance figures up by 20% in the 2024 season, offering a vibrant environment for players like him. Meanwhile, Benfica must pivot to alternative targets after failing to secure their former standout yet again. On the Chelsea front, the club is ramping up interest in talents such as RB Leipzig‘s Xavi Simons to fill the void as the summer market heats up.
