Ronaldo's Wish Granted? Al-Nassr Hijacks Joao Felix Deal in Stunning Transfer Twist

In a move that is sending shockwaves through the football world, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr are reportedly on the verge of pulling off one of the biggest coups of the summer by closing in on a sensational deal for Portuguese star Joao Felix. The 24-year-old forward, who had been strongly linked with a romantic return to his boyhood club Benfica, may now be packing his bags for the Middle East in what appears to be a direct response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent plea for more attacking firepower at Al-Nassr. The news, still developing but gaining momentum with each passing hour, marks yet another chapter in the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive and unrelenting bid to attract global footballing talent.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 in a move that many initially questioned but has since proven to be transformative for Saudi football, recently made headlines for his subtle yet clear call to arms during a post-match interview. He stated that the team needed “more hunger up front” and hinted at the need for younger, dynamic attackers to complement his ever-potent but aging presence. It now seems the club’s hierarchy took note — and acted swiftly.

Joao Felix, whose career trajectory has been anything but linear since his record-breaking move to Atlético Madrid in 2019, has long been searching for a stable environment where he can once again flourish. Despite early flashes of brilliance, his time in La Liga has been marred by inconsistent form, injuries, and a never-fully-settled relationship with Atlético boss Diego Simeone. His recent loan spell at Barcelona gave glimpses of his potential but failed to convince the Catalan club to pursue a permanent transfer. A return to Benfica was widely seen as a move that would offer him the comfort, love, and patience he might need to rebuild his career from familiar ground.

But now, with Al-Nassr stepping into the picture with financial muscle and an irresistible package — both in terms of salary and role — it appears that Felix may be rethinking his next destination. Sources close to the negotiation table suggest that the Saudi side is offering a deal worth upwards of €100 million, including a lucrative wage structure that dwarfs what Benfica could realistically match. For a player who has felt underappreciated and underutilized in recent years, the promise of a starring role alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in a league that continues to grow in stature could be the exact remedy his career needs.

Ronaldo’s presence at Al-Nassr cannot be underestimated in this situation. Not only is he the most influential figure in Saudi football today, but he is also a national hero and mentor figure for Joao Felix, who has often spoken of his admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The idea of linking up with Ronaldo — playing under his watchful eye and perhaps learning from his relentless work ethic and unmatched professionalism — might be just what the young forward craves. It’s also a marketing dream, with two of Portugal’s biggest names potentially spearheading the same attack in Riyadh.

The implications of this move are vast. For Benfica, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Having nurtured Felix from their academy and sold him for a then club-record fee, they were confident of sealing his return to the Estádio da Luz and building their next era around him. Fans had already started to dream of the second coming, and the news of Al-Nassr’s hijack will undoubtedly sting. On social media, reactions have ranged from heartbreak to fury, with many blaming the modern game’s ever-growing reliance on oil-rich clubs outbidding traditional European giants.

For Atlético Madrid, the sale represents a chance to finally offload a player who, despite his undeniable quality, never quite fit into their tactical puzzle. The hefty fee, if confirmed, could go a long way in funding Diego Simeone’s continued squad overhaul. It also further strengthens the financial pull of the Saudi league, which is steadily luring more and more stars from Europe’s elite competitions.

But above all, the potential transfer shines a brighter spotlight on the growing phenomenon of Europe-to-Saudi Arabia talent migrations. What started with veterans in the twilight of their careers — Ronaldo, Benzema, Kante — is now evolving into the next phase: younger, in-their-prime stars considering Saudi clubs not as retirement homes but as legitimate stages to perform, grow, and earn handsomely. Joao Felix, still in his mid-twenties, represents a turning point in that narrative.

While some critics argue that moves like this are driven purely by money and come at the cost of competitive integrity, others are beginning to acknowledge the broader vision. The Saudi Pro League is not merely buying names; it is building a brand, reshaping global football dynamics, and giving players a new platform outside the traditional European bubble.

As of now, no official statement has been released by either Al-Nassr or Felix’s camp, but all indicators suggest that talks are at an advanced stage. With the summer transfer window heating up and the Saudi clubs once again flexing their financial might, this could be the defining transfer of the window — not just for Al-Nassr or Saudi football, but for Joao Felix himself.

If the deal is completed, the world will be watching closely to see whether this will be the renaissance Felix has long needed. For Ronaldo, it might just be the perfect partner in crime. And for Al-Nassr, it could be the masterstroke that brings them closer to continental glory and global recognition. The beautiful game, it seems, is undergoing a seismic shift — and Saudi Arabia is right at the heart of it.