Chelsea win again: Felix to Al Nassr for more money

Everything was ready for the homecoming, the desire was mutual, but in the end, it won’t happen—at least not this June. Joao Felix’s return to Benfica will have to wait, as that move is officially off. The Portuguese attacker will continue his career far from home, in Saudi Arabia. According to Portuguese media, Benfica has pulled out of negotiations with Chelsea, and Al Nassr seized the opportunity and made a clear path to the 25-year-old attacking midfielder. The Riyadh-based club is now in the final stages of bringing Felix in, who just yesterday seemed all but set for a return home. But that’s no longer the case.

And the reason is—Chelsea. Mainly Chelsea, because if the Portuguese reports are to be believed, the London club made Benfica’s pursuit of their former star incredibly difficult. To recap, Benfica was close to reaching a deal with the reigning world champions to buy 50% of Felix’s rights, and according to Record, they were ready to stretch their finances like never before for a player. Club president Rui Costa had even prepared the number 10 jersey for him, and hopes were high that he would be presented during last night’s Eusébio Cup match against Fenerbahçe. According to reports, Benfica went as far as it could—it has never gone so far for a player—but it also understands it couldn’t go beyond its financial limit.

Lassie Come Home - Felix wants to return

Unlike Benfica, Al Nassr isn’t familiar with the concept of “financial limits.” On top of that, they have Jorge Jesus— the Portuguese coach who missed working with Felix during both of his stints at Luz—as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, the national team captain. Their presence, combined with financial incentives, played a key role in convincing Joao to accept the offer from the Middle East.