Chelsea have agreed a deal with Swiss club FC Basel for Renato Veiga. The versatile defensive player is set to join the Blues for a fee worth €14 million, with no add-ons or sell-on clause included.
The transfer has seemingly come together out of nowhere, as there were very few rumours linking the Portuguese defender with a move. Now, he has agreed to a contract till 2032 and will soon complete the medicals and formalities to be officially announced as a new signing.
Renato Veiga to sign for Chelsea from FC Basel in surprise deal
🔵🇵🇹 Renato Veiga, set to undergo medical as new Chelsea player. Portuguese talent to sign contract valid until June 2032.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2024
Chelsea will pay €14m to Basel and there will be no add-ons or sell-on.
Veiga could also play as fullback in Chelsea plans.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/GZ9QHmU2MD
Veiga plays as a left-footed centre-back, but can also play as a left-back, as well as a defensive midfielder if needed. As a result, he presents a very unique profile that could fit in well at Chelsea over the coming season.
However, it also means that Chelsea might miss out on Riccardo Calafiori, with Arsenal also in the race to sign the talented Italy international. If the Blues are already out of the race for Calafiori, then the signing of Renato Veiga for a relatively low fee is a smart signing that could pay off in the long run.
The 20-year-old has only spent one season with Basel, playing 26 games across all competitions and racking up over 2,000 minutes on the pitch. And that has seemingly been impressive enough for the Chelsea sporting directors to sanction a transfer.
Only time will tell how Veiga fits in with Enzo Maresca’s brand new team in West London.
