However, Benfica refused to meet Chelsea's €50m asking price, even when given the option to pay the second half of €25m in installments. The club insisted they wouldn't go higher than €25m, and despite Felix's wish, the move collapsed.
Al Nassr stepped in and struck terms with Chelsea over a fee of €30m up front and a further €20m due in bonuses and installments. Felix still needed persuading about a move to Saudi Arabia, but was soon convinced when Al Nassr tabled him a two-year deal worth a staggering €75m, including bonuses and installments.
The support of Portugal teammates Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo at Al Hilal also played a role in Felix's decision to join Al Nassr. He accepted the transfer confident that he would remain on the radar in the Saudi Pro League for his country's World Cup selection.
