According to reports, Chelsea has signed teenage Sporting CP player Geovany Quenda.
The teenager also piqued the curiosity of Manchester United and another Premier League team.
The secret to Chelsea’s success was letting Quenda continue at Sporting for one additional season.
According to a source, Chelsea outwitted Manchester United to sign Geovany Quenda by agreeing to more of Sporting CP’s requests than the less accommodating Red Devils.
Before the summer transfer window opened, the Blues gave everyone a surprise by announcing that they had acquired Quenda. Under Ruben Amorim, who was heavily favoured to bring the Portugal international to Old Trafford this summer, the quick-footed 17-year-old made his debut in Sporting’s first team. But it would turn out to be more complicated than that.
This deal was supported by Chelsea’s long-term strategy, and The Athletic claims that one of the main reasons for their success was their readiness to loan Quenda back to Sporting for the 2025–2026 campaign. This condition was not acceptable to Manchester United or another unidentified Premier League contender. Sporting did not want to lose too many players as they prepare for additional departures this summer, including their desired attacker Viktor Gyokeres.
The natural attacker, who had been forced into a wing-back position by Amorim at Sporting, was drawn to Enzo Maresca’s proposal to use Quenda as a winger in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Another “factor” that was mentioned was Chelsea’s location in the capital of England.
According to reports, Chelsea had been watching Quenda for “two to three months” before the general public learnt of his transfer. Manchester United, who were reportedly “confident” in closing a deal, had been in “extensive talks” with Sporting at the same time. The Red Devils, however, never made a formal offer.
Sporting is not entitled to any bonuses, add-ons, or shares of future transfers as a result of Quenda’s ultimate fee, which is reportedly €40 million (£33.8 million). Due to their insistence on bringing Quenda to Manchester this season, United received a higher price quote of €60 million. This amount caused hesitation at a club that is now implementing significant cost-cutting initiatives.
Chelsea wasn’t satisfied with only one highly regarded Sporting young player. The Blues reportedly completed a deal for midfielder Dario Essugo on the same day that Quenda’s arrival was announced in Portugal.
