Joao Felix faces Saudi crossroads as Barcelona dream remains uncertain

Joao Felix’s future has become the subject of growing speculation, with Al-Hilal linked with a possible move for the Portugal forward while he continues to hope for a return to Barcelona.

The 25-year-old is currently playing for Al-Nassr, but has not hidden his ambition to wear the Barcelona shirt again. His previous spell with the Catalan club left him with fond memories, and a return to Camp Nou remains one of his personal objectives.

Discussion of Al-Hilal’s potential interest came from Tareq Al-Tuwaijri, the club’s former executive director, during an appearance on the Saudi programme Al-Platform, broadcast on the Thmanyah platform.

Al-Tuwaijri said he wanted Felix to remain in the Saudi Pro League and suggested the forward could join Al-Hilal or one of their domestic rivals.

“I hope first of all that Felix does not leave the Roshn Saudi League,” he said. “If Al-Hilal are able to sign him, that would be good, and the same applies to Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.”

Those comments prompted further questions over Felix’s position, although Spanish newspaper Sport has reported that no formal negotiations have taken place between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr over the player.

Al-Nassr are also considering steps to secure Felix’s long-term future. Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya recently reported that the club were examining whether to activate a clause allowing them to extend his contract unilaterally until June 2029.

The proposed extension would also increase his annual salary from 10 million euros to about 12.5 million euros.

Sport reported that such a move could conflict with Felix’s desire to re-establish himself in European football. According to reports cited by the newspaper, his agent Jorge Mendes has explored ways of avoiding an extension so that the player can retain the option of leaving.

Barcelona remain part of Felix’s thinking, but his wish to return has not yet developed into a concrete move. Financial complications surrounding a potential deal continue to make any transfer difficult.

The forward’s previous experience with Barcelona means the club retains a significant place in his plans, but there are currently no guarantees that he will be able to return to Camp Nou.

His next move could therefore be shaped by three competing possibilities: Al-Nassr’s attempt to extend his contract, the potential arrival of Al-Hilal as a domestic rival, and Felix’s stated ambition to play in Europe again.

For now, his future remains unresolved, with the possibility of staying in Saudi Arabia alongside the long-term hope of wearing Barcelona’s colours once more.