Joao Felix has signalled his intention to stage a return to European football, offering fresh hope to Barcelona and other elite clubs monitoring the Portuguese forward's next career move. The 26-year-old, who currently plies his trade at Saudi Pro League champions Al Nassr, has indicated that his time in the Middle East, while fulfilling, represents a chapter rather than a permanent destination. Speaking candidly about his future, Felix acknowledged that competing in UEFA Champions League football remains a priority despite his impressive performances in Saudi Arabia.
Felix's journey through European football has been marked by significant moves and memorable spells at some of the continent's biggest clubs. After joining Atletico Madrid for €125 million in 2019, he subsequently transferred to Chelsea before securing a loan move to Barcelona during the 2023/24 season. That temporary stint at Camp Nou left a lasting impression on the winger, who described the experience in deeply personal terms. "I was very happy to have worn the Barca shirt. It was a childhood dream for me, my father and my brother. It was an honour," Felix reflected, hinting at unfinished business in Catalonia.
His current situation at Al Nassr presents an intriguing dynamic. Since joining the Saudi outfit in June 2025 alongside Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Felix has delivered impressive statistics with 30 goals across 55 appearances, contributing to the club's title-winning campaign last season. Yet personal fulfilment in the Saudi Pro League has not dimmed his European ambitions. "I'm very comfortable in Saudi Arabia. I'm happy and enjoying my football, but it's true I'm also thinking about returning to Europe. I don't know whether it'll be next year, in two years, three or four, but I'd like to play in European competitions again," the forward stated, keeping his options deliberately open.
With Al Nassr's contract running through June 2027, Felix remains confident in his ability to resume elite European competition despite his current Saudi posting. The revelation opens the door for Barcelona and rival suitors to plan accordingly, though the ambiguous timeframe suggests no imminent departure is guaranteed. For now, Felix appears content to continue his development in the Gulf while keeping one eye firmly fixed on a potential return to the continent where his career truly took flight.