Joao Felix hoping Cristiano Ronaldo link-up can re-ignite slumping career

Teenage kicks: Fabulous Felix had the world at his feet

Having burst on to the scene at Benfica, netting 20 goals in 43 games in his debut season, Felix was regarded as the most exciting young player in the world.

His profile persuaded Atletico Madrid to splash out £113million in 2019 to take him to La Liga – still the third-highest transfer fee in history.

An uneasy relationship with Atleti boss Diego Simeone – a notorious taskmaster – saw him struggle for form and fitness and he was eventually sent on loan to Chelsea in January 2023 for the remainder of that season.

A subsequent loan switch to Barcelona again saw him perform in fits and starts and, although the cash-strapped Catalonian side did consider making the deal permanent, they instead plumped for Dani Olmo.

Felix was eventually sold by Atleti to Chelsea, with Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction in a deal likely linked to PSR requirements, with the Portuguese valued at £45m.

He signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge but within six months was on his travels again, this time on loan to AC Milan.

A return of three goals in 21 games for the Rossoneri was not enough to remain at San Siro and he will now begin a new chapter in the Middle East.

Agent Mendelewitsch critical of Felix and Mendes’ role in career

It is another downward move, although FIFA-licensed agent Jen Mendelewitsch has little sympathy and believes agreeing to relocate to Saudi Arabia confirms he is no longer interested in becoming an elite footballer.

Mendelewitsch, who was also unimpressed with Mendes’ role in Felix’s career, told RMC Sport: “Joao Felix hasn’t played football for a long time. He’s a printer. He’s a money-printing machine, and with his own approval, since he doesn’t rebel. He should have been in charge of his career a long time ago, not allowing people to decide for him and send him to projects he doesn’t like. 

“When you know his potential, it’s sad. But he’s an example of what not to do when you’re a young player with potential.

“We can ask all the questions possible. It’s everyone’s fault, really. In other words, the player decided to indulge in projects he doesn’t like. I’m trying to defend him a bit, but Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Milan, he tried to relaunch himself at Barcelona. He had a good time with Xavi. What I mean is that these are attractive clubs for him to recover. 

“Some people talk about football mercenaries, others talk about victims of the business. In either case, he’s the perfect example of the traps many talented young players can fall into. There were rumours that he would return to Benfica. It would have made a little more sense, but I think he didn’t want to make that financial sacrifice.”