Chelsea will be pleased with their business in terms of player exits this summer, however one of those individuals has just given them a reminder of his quality.
The Blues have offset their spending this summer with the sale of a number of top players, making a profit on a number of these deals.
Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all moved on to other Premier League clubs, while the likes of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens have made the switch to Stamford Bridge.
The player sale Chelsea are likely the most happy with is the one of Joao Felix, after it looked as if it was going to be a tough task for the Blues to find a new permanent suitor.
Joao Felix celebrates scoring during Al-Nassr v Al-Ittihad - Saudi Super Cup Semi Final
Photo by Thomas Tang/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Former Chelsea outcast Joao Felix saves Al-Nassr with ‘clinical’ display
This was until Al-Nassr came knocking, with Cristiano Ronaldo helping assist Felix’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr were being held at 1-1 by Al-Ittihad in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup, before former Liverpool star and current teammate of Felix, Sadio Mane, was sent off in the 25th minute.
Despite having 10 men, it was the former Chelsea man who was on hand to score the winner. The Saudi Gazette described Felix as ‘clinical’ after his performance, and a key reason behind them booking their place in the final.
They said: “The decisive moment came in the 60th minute. Ronaldo slipped a perfectly weighted ball through to Félix, who calmly slotted past the Ittihad goalkeeper.
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“Ronaldo’s vision and leadership, along with Brozović’s control and Félix’s clinical finishing, ensured Al Nassr booked their place in the August 23 final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah.”
Al-Nassr squad pose for photo ahead of Al-Nassr v Al-Ittihad - Saudi Super Cup Semi Final
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Felix answers early criticism in Saudi Arabia
After not taking part in any Club World Cup action for the Blues, it was a quick turnaround before he was back in action for his new club.
Their manager criticised Felix after his opening training sessions, however it has not taken him long to make an impact in a huge game for his new club.
A pretty pointless return to Stamford Bridge as well as an underwhelming loan spell at AC Milan saw many believe they had seen the end of the Portuguese star at the top level.
However, perhaps playing alongside Ronaldo could be exactly what Felix needs to help him rediscover the form that made him one of the best players in world football just a few years ago.