Aston Villa news: Joao Felix to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr as Villa to miss out
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Joao Felix has ended in disappointment as the Portuguese forward has opted to move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 25-year-old will join up with fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in a deal worth up to £43.7million.
Villa had been linked with Felix as a potential marquee signing, but the Saudi club’s financial firepower proved decisive.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce explores why the forward has decided to join Al-Nassr and how it will impact his playing career.
From Chelsea to Al-Nassr
Joao Felix has had a tough few spells at different clubs.
Originally signed by Chelsea in August 2024 for around £45million, Felix’s spell in West London never quite clicked.
The forward made only 12 Premier League appearances last term before being sent on loan to AC Milan in January.
The Serie A giants opted against making the move permanent, and Chelsea have made the Portuguese international available for sale this summer.
Reports suggest that Felix turned down the chance to rejoin boyhood club Benfica, instead signing for Al-Nassr after being persuaded by Jorge Jesus and Ronado to revive his career in the Middle East.
Why did Felix pick Al-Nassr?
Aston Villa’s long-held admiration of Felix has now hit a wall as the Saudi side not only offered the player a far richer contract, but also the allure of lining up alongside Ronaldo in a high‑profile project.
Although Unai Emery’s side might have had more sporting ambition in Europe, their offer could not compete with the financial package or the global reach of Al‑Nassr.
Joao Felix to replace Jhon Duran
Felix is yet another high-profile capture in Al‑Nassr’s ambitious recruitment push.
The club have already retained Ronaldo and recently appointed Jesus as head coach, which signalled their intent to dominate the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr also needed a marquee signing after Jhon Duran returned to Europe on loan with Fenerbahce for the season.
Time will tell whether Felix can get his career back on track in Saudi Arabia after a few difficult spells in recent years.
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