West Ham endured a mixed summer transfer window.
Graham Potter lost plenty of experience as the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson departed, with Mohammed Kudus, Nayef Aguerd and Edson Alvarez also leaving.
However, some exciting talent arrived at West Ham in the form of Mateus Fernandes and El Hadji Malick Diouf, as well as a Premier League proven striker in Callum Wilson.
TBR Football understand West Ham also wanted to take Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea, but the Portugal international ended up moving to Saudi Arabia – where he is already thriving.
Joao Felix bags hat-trick after West Ham interest
Joao Felix eventually sealed a £43.7m move from Chelsea to Al-Nassr at the end of July, after a tough time in west London and also an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan.
The 25-year-old has only played three games for the Saudi Arabian side so far, but he is quickly showing why he was once regarded as one of the best talents in Europe.
Felix scored a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut, helping Al-Nassr secure a 5-0 win over Al-Taawoun in the season opener.
The new Al-Nassr No.79 also scored the winning goal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final win against Al-Ittihad, but went on to lose on penalties in the final to Al-Ahli.
Cristiano Ronaldo helped to take Joao Felix out of reach for West Ham
TBR Football understand Cristiano Ronaldo had a key role in bringing Felix to Saudi Arabia.
The Al-Nassr No.7 was eager to have his fellow countryman with him, and opted to speak to his bosses when it seemed like a return to Benfica was the only option for the man born in Viseu.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix for Al-Nassr
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Felix only managed to score five goals in 28 Premier League appearances – just one more than he has managed in three games in Saudi Arabia – so perhaps his form would not have been replicated if a move to West Ham materialised.
Ultimately, it is just good to see a top talent – one Atletico Madrid spent £113m to sign at the age of 19 – finally seem settled after a string of unsuccessful moves.