In a bold move that could reshape both club and country dynamics, Joao Felix is reportedly set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Chelsea, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a quiet yet pivotal role behind the scenes.
The 25-year-old Portuguese forward, who struggled for game time during his stint at Chelsea and spent the latter half of last season on loan at AC Milan, is now preparing to make a fresh start in the Middle East. According to Foot Mercato, the €35 million (£26m) transfer to Al-Nassr is more than a career shift—it’s a strategic play influenced heavily by Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo's national team masterstroke
Behind the scenes, Ronaldo reportedly presented a compelling case to his fellow Portugal international. The 40-year-old legend is believed to have highlighted a powerful incentive: national team chemistry.
Cristiano Ronaldo emphasized that playing together at club level could significantly enhance their understanding on the pitch—a factor that could be crucial for Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. According to the report, this increased synergy might become a decisive element for manager Roberto Martinez when finalizing his national team selections.
The argument appears to have struck a chord with Joao Felix, who understood that the opportunity to play 40–50 matches alongside Ronaldo could drastically improve his chances of being a key player for Portugal on the world stage.
A strategic career reset for Joao Felix
After a rocky tenure at Atletico Madrid and an underwhelming spell in the Premier League, Felix’s move to Al-Nassr isn't just a financial decision—though the €10 million annual salary certainly sweetens the deal. It’s a strategic pivot.
The two-year deal with Al-Nassr offers Joao Felix regular minutes, a chance to rediscover his form, and the invaluable opportunity to build on-field rapport with one of football’s all-time greats. His decision to head to Austria for pre-season training with Al-Nassr marks the beginning of what could be a career-defining chapter.
A win-win for club and country?
With Cristiano Ronaldo now deeply embedded in Al-Nassr's setup, his influence is extending beyond scoring goals and selling shirts—he’s actively shaping the club’s recruitment with an eye on Portugal's future. If the move yields results on both club and international fronts, it may very well be looked back upon as one of the most tactically intelligent transfers of the year.