Fabrizio Romano says that Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of completing a remarkable transfer for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr that will have significant ramifications at Chelsea.
Ronaldo was handed a new contract with Al-Nassr earlier this summer and instantly given additional control of the overall playing structure of the club.
Although his side have lost Jhon Duran to Fenerbahce on loan, they have yet to sign a marquee replacement… until now.
Romano says that Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are on the verge of signing Joao Felix from Chelsea in a major coup.
The Portugal international star had appeared destined to move back to Benfica, where he made his professional debut before moving to Atletico Madrid in a stunning €127 million transfer.
Joao Felix’s career has struggled to take off since then, with difficult spells at Barcelona, Chelsea and AC Milan, where he spent the second half of last term.
Despite failing to score more than 10 goals across all competitions since his breakthrough season at Benfica in 2018/19, Ronaldo has given his compatriot the seal of approval and wants him at Al-Nassr.
Joao Felix in ‘advanced talks’ with Al-Nassr – Romano
“Al Nassr are in advanced talks to sign Joao Felix and hijack Benfica’s move!” Romano tweeted on Sunday.
“Understand Al Nassr have sent permanent deal proposal to Chelsea and contract proposal to Joao.
“The agreement is close as final details are set to be discussed in the next 24/48h.”
🤔Is Joao Felix the most overrated player in the last 10 years?
An AM who has:
⚽️ – not scored more than 10 goals in all competitions
🤝 – never achieved more than 16 G+Asince his breakthrough season in 18/19.
Despite this, he’s moved for €127m and €52m. pic.twitter.com/gX5KBe98jx
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) July 27, 2025
Chelsea were close to selling Joao Felix back to Benfica for €25m, which would have seen the Stamford Bridge outfit retain 50% of his economic rights.
There is no indication of the type of fee that Al-Nassr will pay for the 25-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just €25.4m.
The Blues will be seeking to recoup as much of the €52m they spent on him last summer as possible, and by selling him to the cash-rich Al-Nassr they have a chance of doing that. No European team could afford to spend that type of player on Joao Felix based on his recent form.
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