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Joao Felix to help Chelsea complete Alonso's first signing

Updated: 29 May 2026 16:13 BST | 4 min read

Joao Felix, Chelsea, 2024/25

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Joao Felix has inadvertently assisted Chelsea in the transfer market this summer after helping Al-Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title and winning the division's Player of the Season award.

The Portugal international left Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal for an initial €30 million last year, but the deal also included €20m in potential performance-related add-on clauses. The exact terms of these clauses are unknown, although it's highly likely that Al-Nassr will now have to pay a portion of those add-ons to Chelsea following their 2025-26 Saudi Pro League triumph.

The Blues will therefore be handed additional funds to complete their business in the market this summer, with a number of players expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 10th place finish this season.

Felix, who joined Chelsea permanently last summer before completing a loan move to AC Milan in January, scored 26 goals and provided 19 assists in 47 games for Al-Nassr this campaign, and he was recently named as the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season following an excellent debut campaign at Al-Nassr.

However, despite his form this season, Felix’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a measly €19m, largely due to the quality of the division he plays in. As a result, Chelsea have played a blinder by earning an initial fee of €30m, plus add-ons for the Portugal star.

Chelsea sold Joao Felix in 2025

Analysis: Who will be Xabi Alonso’s first signing as Chelsea manager?

Chelsea have already officially announced four summer signings ahead of the upcoming window, with deals completed for Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev and Denner.

Furthermore, a full agreement has been reached to purchase Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco on a permanent deal" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/chelsea-transfer-news-blues-agree-deal-to-sign-valentin-barco-fabrizio-romano" target="_blank">a full agreement has been reached to purchase Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco on a permanent deal and he is expected to become the first signing of the Alonso era at Stamford Bridge.

However, it’s understood that a deal for Barco was agreed long before Alonso’s appointment, with negotiations over the transfer dating back to early 2026. As a result, the Argentina international hasn’t been picked out by Alonso himself.

Instead, Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) or Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion) could become Alonso’s first signing at Chelsea, with the club eager to bolster their ranks with Premier League proven quality ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Blues have also been linked with Edmond Tapsoba and Arda Guler in recent days, with the former working under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and the latter enjoying a close relationship with the Spaniard at Real Madrid.