'He's a money-printing machine' - FIFA agent slams João Felix

Joao Felix's impending move to Al-Nassr from Chelsea has sparked a wave of criticism, with a prominent football agent Jen Mendelewitsch accusing the Portuguese forward of prioritising profit over purpose.

The £43.7 million (€51m/$56m) deal will see Felix join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

FIFA-licensed agent Jen Mendelewitsch launched a scathing assessment of the 25-year-old, labelling him a "money-printing machine" and lamenting what he sees as a career driven more by financial decisions than footballing ambition.

"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," Mendelewitsch told RMC Sport.

He continued, "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."

Felix, once hailed as one of Europe’s most gifted young forwards, has struggled to settle since his blockbuster €126 million move to Atletico Madrid in 2019. After failed stints at Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan, the Al-Nassr transfer appears to be the latest turn in a career that has lost its early momentum.

Reflecting on his stop-start journey across Europe, Mendelewitsch added, “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. These are attractive clubs for him to recover.”

While some reports had linked Felix with a potential return to Benfica, the club where he made his name, Mendelewitsch believes financial motives ultimately guided his decision.

He continued, "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."

Felix's move also comes as Chelsea look to offload fringe players in order to comply with UEFA squad rules following a heavy summer of spending. For the London club, the £43.7 million windfall provides much-needed financial relief.