'Completely out of it' Joao Felix warned he 'must prepare better' as Al-Nassr coach unimpressed by debut performance

The 25-year-old Felix has officially joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr from Chelsea in a deal worth up to €50 million (£42m/$54m), signing a two-year contract. Despite a quiet debut in a 2-1 win over Toulouse, manager Jesus publicly backed the Portugal international to rediscover his best form.

Felix’s transfer closes a turbulent chapter in Europe, where the big-money signing never lived up to his billing at Atletico Madrid, and struggled on loan at Chelsea and Barcelona. Benfica were keen on a romantic return, but Al-Nassr's offer hijacked the deal. Now 25, Felix joins a star-studded Al-Nassr squad alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, yet his reputation remains in limbo, and doubts about his long-term ceiling persist. While Jesus was not impressed with his debut, he believes that with proper training, Felix could return to the level he showed at Benfica.

"He's completely out of it. He needs to prepare better and train," he said. "He's only had three training sessions with us, but I believe in his football and I believe he'll return to his Benfica form."

Responding to suggestions that Felix had been snatched away from Benfica, Jesus clarified that the deal was done with Chelsea and not the Portuguese giants, telling reporters: "Joao was on the market, and we needed someone with his characteristics. We closed a deal with Chelsea; we didn't take any players from Benfica; we signed them from Chelsea. The only player I took from Benfica was Marcos Leonardo, for €40 million.

"Joao was on the market; he could have gone to Benfica, Al-Nassr, or any other team with a better offer."

Felix will be expected to quickly adapt to Al-Nassr’s setup under Jesus, with expectations sky-high despite his shaky start. With Ronaldo and Mane as attacking partners, opportunities will come, but only if he rediscovers his sharpness and confidence. Should his form continue to dip, questions over his long-term career trajectory may intensify even further.