Joao Felix’s Journey: From Chelsea to Al Nassr
Despite his early promise, Joao Felix’s time with Chelsea has been lacking in standout highlights, leaving fans to wonder what went wrong. Known for his dazzling skill and creativity on the field, Felix was not only the 2019 Golden Boy but also carried high expectations when he signed with Chelsea from Atletico Madrid on loan and then permanently for a hefty £44.5 million. However, after a lackluster stint, he is now making headlines again after completing a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where the initial fee is around £26.2 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total near £43.3 million.
A Complicated Career
This move marks another chapter in a complicated career for the 25-year-old, who has now represented six different clubs in just seven seasons, generating significant transfer fees along the way. Felix’s departure from Chelsea was confirmed through a heartfelt Instagram message that read,
“Once a blue, always a blue,”
despite his fleeting moments at Stamford Bridge throughout his two spells.
Struggles at Chelsea
Since arriving in 2021, Felix’s journey has been full of ups and downs. He notably struggled to secure a permanent place in Chelsea’s starting lineup, having failed to record more than 21 league starts in a single season. Injuries hampered his progress, including a significant absence that cost him nearly 20 games during the 2021-22 season. His time at Chelsea became even more tumultuous when a red card during his debut match cast a shadow over what turned out to be one of the club’s worst seasons.
Looking back, Felix’s potential became overshadowed by inconsistent performances. With only 28 appearances in the Premier League and a notable absence of standout moments, fans were left wanting more. His impressive loanee spells, particularly at Barcelona, where he accumulated 15 contributions in 44 appearances, contrasted sharply with his time at Chelsea.
New Beginnings in Saudi Arabia
As he embarks on his new adventure in Saudi Arabia, where he proclaimed,
“I’m here to spread joy,”
Felix faces both skepticism and admiration. Observers of the sport debate his future—while some see this move as a short-term fix, others speculate that he could return to Europe, potentially garnering interest from clubs where he once thrived, like Benfica.
As Joao Felix arrives at Al Nassr, highlights from his Al Nassr debut are already appearing online. Fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his position as a top-tier player, capable of dazzling his supporters and proving that the hype surrounding his talent was warranted, unlike the highlight reels that have failed to materialize at Chelsea. For now, supporters of Al Nassr are hopeful he will bring more than just flashy moments.
