Sky Sports: Chelsea Agree £26m Deal for Forward | OneFootball

João Félix Completes Move to Al Nassr: What It Means for Chelsea’s Summer Strategy

João Félix has officially left Chelsea to join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in a deal worth up to £43.7m, as first reported by Sky Sports. The move comprises a guaranteed £26.2m fee with an additional £17.5m in performance-based add-ons.

While Félix’s technical ability and attacking flair were clear to see, his departure was becoming increasingly likely given Chelsea’s focus on rebuilding under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The Portugal international scored seven goals in 20 appearances last season, but never truly cemented his place as a guaranteed starter.

This exit provides the club with greater financial flexibility, particularly as Chelsea’s transfer strategy this window hinges heavily on player sales. So far, they have generated £135.7m in sales, with their current net spend standing at £82.3m.

Eyes Turn to Xavi Simons

Sky Sports confirms that “selling Felix will allow Chelsea to accelerate their move for RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons”, a clear indication that the club is not done reshaping its frontline. Simons, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, would represent a long-term investment aligned with the club’s youth-focused recruitment model.

The Félix sale not only makes room financially, but also tactically, for Simons or a similar profile to be integrated into Maresca’s system. Chelsea are attempting to reconfigure their attack with more pressing intensity, fluidity and positional discipline — characteristics which were sometimes at odds with Félix’s style of play.

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Félix’s Time at Chelsea: A Promising Spark That Flickered

Félix first arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 on a short-term loan from Atletico Madrid. After brief but bright performances, the club made the move permanent last summer in a deal worth around £45m. However, expectations weren’t fully met, partly due to inconsistency and a changing managerial landscape at Chelsea.

Despite flashes of brilliance and his eye for goal, Félix struggled with the defensive responsibilities expected of a Premier League forward. While seven goals in 20 games is a respectable return, it wasn’t enough to dissuade Chelsea from cashing in when Al Nassr came calling.

His move to the Saudi Pro League follows a growing trend of European stars opting for the financial lure of the Gulf region. For Chelsea, this represents shrewd business — offloading a non-essential asset while freeing up capital for reinvestment.

Squad Reshaping Continues Under Maresca

With the Félix sale complete, Chelsea’s focus will intensify on bringing in players who align with Maresca’s tactical ideology. The Italian coach, known for his emphasis on structured build-up play and dynamic transitions, is unlikely to prioritise individualistic attackers who don’t contribute consistently off the ball.

Selling Félix not only makes financial sense but signals a shift in sporting direction. The club is actively shaping a squad built for system-based success rather than flair-based dependency.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As Chelsea supporters, there’s a mixture of appreciation and relief in seeing João Félix move on. There was always a sense that Félix could light up Stamford Bridge, but too often his performances fell into the category of style over substance. His technique is undeniable, and in the right system, he could still become a world-class attacker. Unfortunately, Chelsea wasn’t that place, and his role under various managers never felt truly defined.

From a fan perspective, £43.7m for a player who was not consistently starting is good business. Given that he was bought for a similar figure just a year ago, the fact the club can recoup most of that outlay while unlocking space for a younger, more tactically-suited talent like Xavi Simons is a win.

There’s growing excitement about the direction Enzo Maresca is taking this squad. He seems intent on creating a coherent playing identity, one based on pressing structure and ball progression. Félix, as graceful as he is, didn’t quite fit that bill. His departure is one of those necessary steps in evolving a squad that has at times felt bloated and misaligned.

With Chelsea raising over £135m in sales and already showing intent in the market, fans can be cautiously optimistic. The key now is ensuring that any incoming player, whether Simons or otherwise, is signed with a clear plan in mind — not just to excite the crowd, but to elevate the system.