Joao Felix joins Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in Saudi Arabia: Al Nassr’s projected lineup with the Portuguese youngster

Following the departure of promising talent Jhon Jader Duran to Fenerbahce, Al Nassr aim to strengthen their squad alongside Cristiano Ronaldo by targeting a rising Portuguese star. Joao Felix has joined the Saudi Arabian club as his next professional challenge. This strategic acquisition highlights Al Nassr’s ambition to capture their first league title since the 2018-19 season and enhance their competitiveness in the AFC Champions League.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea, which hold Joao Felix‘s rights, have finalized a deal involving a $35.2 million transfer fee and a $58.7 million sell-on clause. Also, he reported that the player will be under contract until 2027. Although his recent performances have not fully reflected his potential, he has consistently showcased his elite talents.

In addition to Felix’s high-profile arrival, Al Nassr have appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach. Jesus’ prior success in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal and his aptitude for developing young players were instrumental in his hiring. With these strategic changes, they seek to achieve the elusive balance within the team that has remained out of reach despite possessing a roster of world-class talent.

Al Nassr’s potential lineup with Joao Felix

While Joao Felix has experienced several years of inconsistent performances, Jorge Jesus expressed interest in signing him for Al Hilal in 2023, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. In fact, back in 2020, Jesus remarked, according to Diario Marca, that Joao would be a significant asset to Portuguese soccer. Consequently, he has the exciting opportunity to play under a coach who genuinely believes in his potential.

Joao Felix of Portugal celebrates scoring Portugal goal during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Municipal de Aveiro on June 11, 2024 in Aveiro, Portugal.

If head coach Jorge Jesus can rely on a fully healthy and available roster, Al Nassr might unveil an impressive offensive lineup. It could look as follows: Bento; Mohamed Simakan, Mohammed Al Fatil; Nader Al Sharari; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Marcelo Brozovic, Otavio, Abdulrahman Ghareeb; Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.

see also

Ronaldo missing from Al Nassr’s preseason opener: Why was Cristiano left out of the squad?

Joao Felix’s arrival at Al Nassr could lead to the departure of three current players

After struggling to make a significant impact in recent seasons, Al Nassr are reportedly planning significant roster changes. The team is not only adding Joao Felix, but also considering offloading three players from its current lineup. According to Alhazza Mutab of Sportksa, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is seeking to transfer out Aymeric Laporte, Angelo, and Wesley Gassova.

These swift and bold moves highlight the club’s dedication to overhauling a project that has struggled to establish a solid foundation. As a result, additional player acquisitions remain a strong possibility as Al Nassr look to enhance their competitive edge in the Saudi Pro League.

With the arrival of Simao Coutinho as the new Sports Director, the team may focus on restructuring its roster, particularly strengthening the defense, which has been a significant area of concern.