Chelsea flop 'thinking about returning' as transfer dream revealed

Al Nassr forward Joao Felix has revealed he dreams of returning to Europe, 18 months after calling time on a horribly underwhelming stint with Chelsea.

The versatile Portuguese forward signed for the Blues on a short-term loan from Atletico Madrid in 2023, before returning on a permanent deal the following year. That transfer was worth a reported £46.3m including add-ons, and Felix put pen to paper on a seven-year contract.

Felix managed just 11 goals and two assists in 40 appearances across his two stints with the Blues.

Joao Felix endured a deeply underwhelming spell at Chelsea after signing for £46.3m

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Just 18 months after moving to Saudi Arabia, during which time he has scored 30 goals, reestablished himself in the Portugal national team and rediscovered his confidence, Felix has set his sights on a return to one of the big five European leagues.

“I'm very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year. I'll be 27 at the end of the season. I'm planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately,” he explained in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.

“I don't know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of next, but I'm eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again.

“It's always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that's what I'm thinking about.”

Joao Felix has rediscovered his form for Portugal and Al Nassr

PA

Felix would not name any club he was particularly keen to join, but did rule out joining Real Madrid, citing his previous association with Atletico: “I would have been the biggest traitor in football.”

He continued, adding he had more to achieve in Al Nassr - namely, assisting Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1000th career goal. The legendary forward is currently on 979.

“I've already thought about that,” Felix admitted. “Every time I have the ball I'm going to look to see if I can pass it to him. That goal will go down in football history, and being there would be a cool moment.

“(Playing with Ronaldo) is something very few people in football can say they've achieved. I got to play with him here with the national team and now with Al Nassr. It's a real honour.

“We grew up watching Cristiano as our idol, as a role model, and now I get to share moments with him. Even last year's championship was very special. We have to enjoy it to the fullest because we know it won't last forever, but while it's here, we'll be there.”