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Chelsea are set for another significant shake-up in their attacking options as Joao Felix edges closer to a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. The Portuguese forward, who permanently joined the Blues from Atletico Madrid last summer for around £45 million, is now on the verge of a transfer that could see Chelsea recoup nearly the same amount they paid for him.
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According to reports, Al Nassr are closing in on a deal worth approximately £44 million for Felix, a move that will free up funds for Chelsea to step up their pursuit of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons. The Saudi club’s interest in Felix comes amid their ambitious drive to dominate domestic football, having already extended Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and appointed experienced Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus.
Felix, 25, had previously been linked with a return to his former club Benfica, but Al Nassr have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, where he managed three goals in 19 appearances. Chelsea also banked a £5 million fee for that loan deal.
Felix’s Mixed Spell at Chelsea
Felix’s time at Stamford Bridge has been underwhelming. After a short loan spell in 2023, Chelsea opted to sign him permanently in the summer of 2024. However, the Portuguese international struggled to establish himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League. Despite flashes of quality, his inconsistency and lack of end product limited his impact.
Selling Felix now appears to be a pragmatic decision by Chelsea, who are actively seeking to offload fringe players to balance the books and create room for new signings. The £44 million fee would represent smart business for the club, especially given Felix’s struggles to cement a place in the starting lineup.
Chelsea’s Transfer Plans: Simons and Hato in Focus
With Felix’s sale close to completion, Chelsea are expected to accelerate their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. The Dutch attacking midfielder has been one of Europe’s standout young talents, and Chelsea view him as a long-term creative solution. Simons still has two years left on his Leipzig deal, but a transfer this summer appears increasingly likely.
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In addition to Simons, Chelsea are in advanced talks with Ajax for highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old Dutch international, who can play both as a centre-back and left-back, has informed Ajax of his desire to leave. Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay around £44 million (€50 million), but Ajax are holding out for closer to £52 million (€60 million).
Hato has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, and Chelsea view him as a key part of their long-term defensive plans. With a contract running until 2028, Ajax hold a strong negotiating position, but the player’s willingness to move could ultimately influence the deal.
Other Potential Outgoings at Stamford Bridge
Felix is unlikely to be the only high-profile departure from Chelsea this summer. The club remains keen to streamline their bloated squad, with several players attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
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Christopher Nkunku, despite his vital role in Chelsea’s successful Club World Cup campaign, is another name linked with a possible exit to make way for Simons. Raheem Sterling, who returned from a loan spell at Arsenal last term, could also depart after failing to rediscover his form.
Other loaned-out players such as Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Axel Disasi face uncertain futures. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig are pushing to sign Carney Chukwuemeka, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund. Fulham have also expressed interest in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a versatile midfielder Chelsea signed from Leicester City.
Al Nassr’s Ambitious Project
For Al Nassr, Felix represents another marquee addition to their star-studded squad as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract top European talent. The club’s decision to extend Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and appoint Jorge Jesus, a highly experienced Portuguese manager, signals their intent to dominate both domestically and on the continental stage.
Felix would link up with Ronaldo, forming a Portuguese connection that could boost Al Nassr’s attacking prowess. Given his technical ability and creativity, Felix could thrive in a new environment, especially in a league where attacking talents are given freedom to express themselves.
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Chelsea’s Next Steps
For Chelsea, the £44 million from Felix’s sale will be crucial in finalising deals for Simons and Hato. Both players fit the club’s recruitment strategy of signing young, high-potential talent capable of becoming long-term fixtures in the squad.
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Simons, in particular, would bring versatility, creativity, and goal-scoring threat from midfield – qualities Chelsea have lacked in recent seasons. However, the Dutchman remains in high demand across Europe, and his future may not be decided until later in the transfer window.
Chelsea’s summer rebuild continues to hinge on player sales. The departure of Felix could therefore act as a catalyst for the next phase of their transfer business, allowing the club to strengthen key areas ahead of the new Premier League season.
A Win-Win Deal?
For all parties, Felix’s move to Al Nassr appears to make sense. Chelsea will effectively recoup the £45 million they paid to sign him permanently last year, while Felix gets a fresh start at a club with big ambitions and a manager who understands Portuguese football.
If Chelsea are able to reinvest those funds into acquiring Simons and Hato, they could emerge from the summer window with a younger, more dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see how Chelsea execute their plans. The departure of Felix could be just the first domino to fall in what promises to be another busy summer for the Blues
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