Felix About to Bag £40M Saudi Payday While Chelsea Fans Wonder What the Hell Just Happened

By Lewis Barnett 27 July, 2025 5 mins read 204 Views

Well, this is awkward.

Just when I thought Chelsea's transfer window couldn't get any weirder, Joao Felix is apparently packing his bags for Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr - yes, Ronaldo's team - swooped in at the last minute and basically said "hold my beer" to Benfica's lowball offer. The Portuguese club was trying to get Felix for peanuts (around £22M), but the Saudis just slapped £40 million on the table like it's pocket change.

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The Money's Actually Insane

Here's where it gets ridiculous. Felix is about to earn £420,000 per week. That's more than Mo Salah's new Liverpool deal by £20K weekly. Let that sink in - a player who couldn't nail down a starting spot at Chelsea is about to become the second-highest paid player in Premier League terms... except he won't even be in the Premier League anymore.

My mate who supports Arsenal texted me yesterday: "Your boy's really finessed the system, hasn't he?" And honestly? Fair play to Felix. Five years, £22M annually. That's generational wealth for a career that's been... well, let's call it "inconsistent."

Remember When He Was the Next Big Thing?

Back in 2019, Atletico Madrid dropped €126 million on this kid from Benfica. Fourth most expensive transfer ever! I remember watching his highlights thinking "okay, this guy's special." Fast forward five years and he's had more loan spells than a library book.

Chelsea took a £42M punt on him last summer after his Barcelona stint, and honestly, it felt like desperation shopping. Forty appearances, eleven goals across two spells at Stamford Bridge. Not terrible, but not exactly setting the world on fire either.

The Milan loan last season was genuinely painful to watch. Poor guy looked lost half the time.

Enzo's Cold Shoulder

Maresca basically told Felix "thanks but no thanks" for this season. Didn't even pretend he was in the plans. That's gotta sting when you're 25 and still think you've got something to prove in Europe.

But here's the thing - maybe Saudi Arabia is exactly what Felix needs right now. Less pressure, stupid money, and he gets to play alongside his national team captain. Ronaldo's probably already sending him WhatsApp messages about the weather in Riyadh.

Chelsea's Masterclass in Breaking Even (Almost)

Credit where it's due - Chelsea are about to recoup nearly their entire investment. Twelve months ago they paid £42M, now they're getting £40M back. In today's market, that's basically a miracle.

Benfica must be fuming though. They thought they had their boy coming home for half price, then Al Nassr rolled up with oil money and changed everything overnight.

Fabrizio Romano's been all over this story, and when he says "final stages," you know it's happening. The personal terms are agreed, Felix has given his blessing, and honestly? Good for him. Sometimes you've got to know when to take teh money and run.

European football's loss is Saudi Arabia's gain. And Felix's bank account is about to get very, very happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is utilized in the Premier League to aid on-field referees in making the correct decisions regarding goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The VAR analyzes footage and gives advice to the referee. He can then view the replay on the pitchside monitor prior to making a final decision. The system is intended to minimize human mistakes that could affect the outcome a match.

How has Premier League developed since its formation?

Since its founding in 1992, there have been many changes in the Premier League. It started with a breakaway of the Football League for a lucrative TV rights deal. Since then it has become a worldwide sporting phenomenon. It now attracts top talent all over the world and undergoes brand changes. Revenues have also increased massively. The league has also seen advancements in sports science, training facilities, and stadium technologies, contributing to an overall enhancement of the football spectacle.

Is the Premier League subject to any financial regulations or rules?

The Premier League does have financial regulations known as Financial Fair Play rules (FFP). These are meant to stop clubs from going beyond their means, and promote financial stability. These rules force clubs to limit their loss over a three year period and to ensure expenditures do no exceed their earnings related to football. These regulations are designed to encourage clubs to spend responsibly and maintain balance within their league.

How does the Premier League impact the English national team?

The Premier League has a big role to play in the development and growth of English football talent. Many players in the Premier League are selected for England's national team and contribute to international tournaments with their skill and experience. The quality of players and the competitiveness of the league are thought to be beneficial for the national team. There have been discussions about the league's large number of non-English players, and their impact on English players who want to play first-team regular football.

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At the end of each Premier League season, the teams that finish in the bottom three positions of the league table are relegated to the Championship, which is the second tier of English football. The Championship is the second tier of English football.

Statistics

Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.

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Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/villas-desperate-hunt-for-dcl-shows-how-far-theyve-fallen