
Chelsea on verge of selling unwanted star in shock £40m transfer deal to Saudi club Al Nassr who are offering huge wages
The Portuguese seemed to be on the verge of returning to his boyhood club Benfica before the middle-eastern outfit stepped into the ring.
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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says a deal is at its final stages as the clubs near agreement on a fee reportedly in the region of £40million.
Felix, 25, has already given his approval of the project and his personal terms.
Al Nassr's offer is reported to be a five-year contract with an annual salary of £22million, or £420,000 a week.
This salary, by comparison, would make him the second-highest earner in the Premier League behind Erling Haaland's £500,000 weekly wage.
His wage would even equate to £20,000 per-week more than Mohamed Salah's new Liverpool contract.
Should the move go through, he would be reunited with his Portuguese national team colleague Cristiano Ronaldo.
Joao Felix was the subject of the fourth most expensive transfer ever when he made the move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid as a teenager in 2019.
After a falling out with the management in Madrid, Felix had loan spells with Chelsea and Barcelona before the Blues made a £42million gamble on him last summer.
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Between his two stints at the club, Felix has made 40 total appearances for the Blues, scoring 11 goals.
Chelsea were at a loss with Joao Felix this window after a disastrous loan spell in Milan last season.
The club were set to take a huge loss on his return to Benfica, who were reportedly looking to pay half the fee that Chelsea paid for the forward at around £22million.
Al Nassr's improved offer puts them in good stead to steal the star from under the Portuguese giant's nose, as Chelsea look to recoup almost the full fee they paid for him a year ago.
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The Sun
a few seconds ago
- The Sun
Goalie Hannah Hampton is England's penalties hero as Lionesses roar to Euros glory over Spain
GOALIE Hannah Hampton was England's penalties hero with two saves as the Lionesses roared to Euros glory over Spain last night. Hannah starred in the 3-1 shootout win after the sides drew 1-1 in Basel, Switzerland. 10 The King hailed their historic victory, three years after winning Euro 2022. He said: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' They are the first senior England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first to retain a trophy after victory in 2022. It was striker Chloe Kelly who sealed the win — repeating her feat from Wembley three years ago when she took off her jersey in celebration. She brought it home this time by scoring the crucial penalty, sparking scenes of joy in Basel, Switzerland. Manager Sarina Wiegman — winning her third consecutive Euros after victory in 2017 with the Netherlands — ran on to the pitch punching the air as she joined the mass of players and staff mobbing Kelly. The Arsenal ace was in tears as she joined thousands of delighted fans singing Sweet Caroline. Moments later, Kelly said: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed. 'I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. Unbelievable. All the staff and Sarina Wiegman — she has done it again! Unbelievable. 'It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' Supersub Michelle Agyemang, the breakout star of the tournament, sank to her knees and wept as Kelly's penalty went in. In the stands, Prince William and daughter Princess Charlotte roared with delight at the victory. Just before kick-off, a snap of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption: 'Let's go, Lionesses.' Jubilant Wills later greeted them, giving skipper Leah Williamson a hug, before they were presented the Euro 2025 trophy on the pitch. King Charles told the Lionesses: 'You have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027, if you possibly can!' The team will be at a Downing Street reception today hosted by Deputy PM Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Ms Rayner said: 'Our Lionesses are absolute champions. Not only are they bringing it home for England again, but they're inspiring the next generation of champions too.' PM Keir Starmer added: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. "Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country.' 10 10 10 Former England striker and footie pundit Gary Lineker wrote online: 'They've done it again. She's done it again. Kelly's heroes. Fabulous.' Dutchwoman Wiegman said after the win: 'I can't believe it! We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. 'I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.' Spain were favourites on the back of an impressive run of ten straight victories in all competitions, scoring 38 goals in the process. But England, despite a shaky start to the tournament, were confident after seeing off Sweden in the quarters and Italy in the semi-final. A crowd of 34,203 watched as England enjoyed a bright start, with the first chance after three minutes. But as the match wore on, Spain began to dominate and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was forced into several crucial saves. Mariona Caldentey put Spain ahead on 25 minutes, with Alessia Russo heading England level on 57 minutes. Then, with neither side making a breakthrough in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Hero Hampton saved twice before Kelly's trademark hop, skip and run penalty went in to secure the victory. 10 10 10


Telegraph
a few seconds ago
- Telegraph
How the Lionesses and the nation celebrated Euros glory
The Lionesses' European Championship final victory over Spain in Basel was both dramatic and historic. They sealed back-to-back Euros triumphs with a penalty shoot-out win – Chloe Kelly, of course, slotting the decisive spot kick – and in doing so became the first England team to lift a major trophy on foreign soil. The celebrations began as soon as Kelly's shot found the net at St Jakob-Park – in the stadium and beyond. The players Kelly was mobbed by her team-mates as soon as she had secured the trophy – three years after she had scored the winning goal at Wembley against Germany. CHLOE KELLY, SHOUT IT LOUD!!! England are EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS! 🏆 #BBCFootball #WEURO2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025 Replacement goalkeeper Khiara Keating actually skipped the team huddle to hail the fans. Nailed it, Khiara! 😆🙌 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Sarina Wiegman ran straight into the arms of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who had saved two penalties in the shoot-out, once Kelly had sealed the win. Sarina Wiegman jumping into Hannah Hampton's arms — Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) July 27, 2025 Asked how she would celebrate, the England manager said: 'Maybe with some more dancing. I might have a drink but I will not be drinking as much as the players…' The immediate celebrations were followed by a period of relative calm leading up to the official trophy presentation – then the scenes of jubilation erupted again. This moment. Champions. AGAIN!!! 🎉🎊 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 The squad made sure to run over to the travelling England fans in the stadium to pay tribute to them after receiving their medals. Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway led players into a dive onto the ticker tape. Oh what a night! 🤩 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Lucy Bronze, who revealed afterwards that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, captured a team selfie. WINNERS 🏅 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Ella Toone and Keira Walsh shared a moment with former Lioness Jill Scott. Pitchside celebrations with familiar faces and loved ones! #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025 The team then headed down the tunnel to continue their celebrations in the changing rooms, singing Robyn's Dancing on my Own as they walked. 🎶 I KEEP DANCING ON MY OWN! 🎶 ICONIC. — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Captain Williamson was certainly keen to enjoy the party, saying: 'Don't worry about if I'm having a good time. Let's put it that way. I'm going to leave the ice and the recovery for tomorrow and then take it back to England.' The Prince Prince William attended the match with his daughter Princess Charlotte and was part of the trophy presentation party. The pair were seen celebrating the shoot-out win in the stands. Then they made their way onto the pitch for the formalities, where he shared a hug with Williamson on stage. He was keen to talk to Michelle Agyemang but it is unlikely she shared details of the post-match party. 'I can't say too much about that,' she said about the celebrations afterwards. 'We're going to have a good time.' The nation The celebrations in Switzerland were mirrored across England. There was jubilation at various drinking establishments across the country. Sky Sport's cameras perfectly captured the different reactions at Spain and England fan parks during the game. Have a look at some of the scenes from the respective fan zones during the Euro 2025 final 😆🏆 — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 27, 2025 Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white to mark England's achievement. Blackpool Tower's illuminations were red and white to mark the Lionesses' win. Back-to-back European champions 👏 Huge congratulations to the @Lionesses on an incredible win in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final against Spain! Tonight, the Blackpool Tower will shine red and white in celebration. You've made England proud 🏴 📷 Sky Shots Karl Houghton… — VisitBlackpool (@visitBlackpool) July 27, 2025


BBC News
a few seconds ago
- BBC News
'Tough times don't last' - Kelly and Hampton shine after adversity
It was not so long ago that Chloe Kelly was considering taking a break from football and Hannah Hampton had been dropped from the England things change. Now the pair have been heralded as England's Euro 2025 heroines as the Lionesses beat Spain in a penalty shootout to retain their subbed on in the 40th minute for Lauren James, provided the inch-perfect cross for Alessia Russo's made a string of crucial saves during the game before denying both Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati in the penalty shootout - allowing Kelly to smash home the winning spot-kick to send England fans into pandemonium."I was adamant I wasn't missing two on the bounce," said Kelly, who had drilled home the rebound after her penalty was saved in their semi-final win over Italy."I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice."England boss Sarina Wiegman said it was "a bit like a fairytale" for Hampton to make two shootout saves in the 24-year-old was the focus of attention from the first minute in Switzerland, stepping up as England's first-choice keeper following Mary Earps' retirement five weeks earlier."Hannah Hampton has been put in the spotlight. Has she stood up, has she stood tall? The biggest of big," said former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis on BBC One. "To win your team back-to-back European Championships - be proud Hannah Hampton." 'Tough times don't last' Seven months ago, things were looking very different for 27-year-old was fearing for her place in England's Euros squad following a difficult start to the season with Manchester City, where she made just one Women's Super League (WSL) start in the first four months of the after a toxic stand-off with the club, Kelly signed for Arsenal on loan in January, and made her move permanent in winger has not only "refound her smile", but has won the Women's Champions League with the Gunners and helped England win another Euros - scoring the decisive goal in the final once again."If that's a story to tell someone maybe experiencing something the same - tough times don't last," Kelly said."Just around the corner was a Champions League final, won that, and now a Euros final, won that."Kelly has had to settle for a place on the bench in Switzerland, but every time she has come on she has made a difference for Sweden, she provided the assist to kickstart a comeback before scoring in the the semi-final victory over Italy, it was Kelly's goal that sealed England's place in the final with just one minute of extra time to spare."Thank you to everyone who wrote me off - I'm grateful," Kelly said in a media conference after the about Wiegman, Kelly added: "She gave me hope when I probably didn't have any. She gave me an opportunity to represent my country again." 'A lot more to come' from Hampton Hampton, who has been playing her first major tournament as England's first-choice goalkeeper, had big shoes to fill in - twice named as the best women's goalkeeper in the world - had played significant roles in England's victory at Euro 2022 and on the way to the 2023 World Cup Hampton, who looked likely to start at the Euros even before Earps' retirement, has proved she deserves the number one shirt."At the start of the tournament did you think Hannah Hampton would be the star? Perhaps not. You wondered how she was going to do," ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said."Look how well she has done on the biggest stage. To save those penalties - and these were really good saves. She backed herself 100%."An amazing moment to see her be that important to the team."Just months after England's Euro triumph in 2022, Hampton was dropped from the suggested it was because of her behaviour, and she had to wait until March 2023 for a recall, when Wiegman said Hampton had "sorted out personal issues".Speaking to BBC One following her shootout heroics in the 2025 final, Hampton said: "All I can really say is thank you to Sarina [Wiegman] for all the belief and faith that she's had in me."She knew what I was capable of and she really put that in me to really go and showcase what I can do."Hampton, who helped Chelsea win a domestic treble this season, has shown exactly what she is capable of throughout the losing their opening game against France, Hampton was instrumental in helping England bounce back against the Netherlands - with a sublime defence-splitting pass starting the attack for England's first goal and setting the tempo for a statement 4-0 in their quarter-final against Sweden, she pulled off two brilliant saves in the shootout to help keep England's title defence alive."The girls have run around for 120 minutes, so the least I can do is save a couple of pens here and there and help the team out in any way I can," Hampton told BBC Radio 5 Live after the added on BBC One: "There's still a lot more to come from me. For my first major tournament, to win it is not too bad."