Joao Felix to secure huge hike in salary at Al-Nassr, set to become fourth-highest paid player behind Cristiano Ronaldo

Joao Felix has received a huge hike in salary after joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr this summer, as reported by Correio da Manha. The Saudi Pro League side paid €50 million to Chelsea to get his signatures, which consists of an initial €30m and further €20m in add-ons and bonuses.

New chapter in Joao Felix's career

After a promising start at Benfica, Felix's career has not gone upwards as expected. The forward signed for Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of €126m in 2019, but could not perform well enough.

He could not improve with loan spells at Barcelona and Chelsea. He permanently joined the blues last summer. After being outcast from Enzo Maresca's plans. Felix signed for AC Milan on loan in January this year.

Joao Fleix could not live up to the expectations in the Serie A either, and he chose a permanent stay. Recent reports have suggested that Benfica were in talks to get their former player back this summer.

The player was in favour of Estadio da Luz as well, but the side did not manage to match Chelsea's asking price. Al-Nassr capitalised on the advantage by handing him a massive hike in salary.

Felix earned €8m per year with Chelsea, but will now pocket €17.5 annually with the Saudi side. Only Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane earn more than Felix in the Saudi Pro League.

Critiano Ronaldo played a crucial part in getting Joao Felix's deal done, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese legend signed a new contract with Al-Nassr last month.

"Cristiano Ronaldo called Joao Felix and then the agreement came. He has finally signed a two-year contract and everything is agreed. The player will sign the contract in the next few hours and Chelsea will receive 30 million euros and bonuses to reach 50 million. A very good operation for everyone and the opportunity of Joao will play with Cristiano," said Romano.

"There is a completely new project, with many Portuguese at the club, it is the new era of the club. Cristiano's renewal has changed everything," he added.

So far, Joao Felix has shared the field 37 times with Cristiano Ronaldo for the national team.