In a surprising twist, Chelsea's Joao Felix and Saul Niguez could be set for a dramatic exit from Stamford Bridge, with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr emerging as potential destinations for both players.
The Portuguese forward Felix, currently on loan from Atletico Madrid, and Spanish midfielder Niguez, who previously played for Chelsea during the 2021-22 season, are reportedly being targeted by the Riyadh-based club as they look to bolster their squad with European talent.
Reunion in the Desert?
What makes this potential double swoop particularly intriguing is the players' shared history. Both Felix and Niguez were teammates at Atletico Madrid before their respective moves to Chelsea, and Al-Nassr appear keen to reunite the pair in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi club, who already boast Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, have been aggressively pursuing top European players as part of the country's ambitious plans to develop their domestic league into a global football powerhouse.
Chelsea's Clearout Continues
For Chelsea, these potential departures would represent further movement in what has been a summer of significant squad overhaul. The Blues have been actively reshaping their team under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, with several high-profile players already leaving the club.
Felix's future has been particularly uncertain following his mixed loan spell last season, while Niguez's Chelsea career never truly took off after his season-long loan from Atletico in 2021.
Saudi Pro League's Growing Pull
The reported interest in Felix and Niguez continues the trend of Saudi clubs targeting players from Europe's top leagues. Following the high-profile signings of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, the league appears determined to attract more established stars to boost its profile and competitiveness.
Should these moves materialise, it would represent another significant coup for the Saudi Pro League and further evidence of its growing financial power in world football.
