- 14 hours ago
OFFICIAL: Chelsea complete Renato Veiga transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 12 Jul 2024 21:24 BST
- 4 min read
Breaking
Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Renato Veiga.
The versatile Portuguese defender arrives from Swiss giants FC Basel in what looks to be a very shrewd piece of business by the Blues. Chelsea have agreed a straightforward €14 million deal with no add-ons or sell-on percentage.
A 20-year-old who can feature at centre-back, left-back and in defensive midfield, Veiga arrives at Stamford Bridge after playing primarily in holding midfield for Basel.
However, the Portugal U21 international is expected to mainly provide left-back depth for Enzo Maresca, though will also occasionally be tasked with plugging other holes.
READ MORE: What Chelsea fans can expect from Renato Veiga
News of Veiga's eventual move to west London came as a surprise as Chelsea had not been linked with the youngster prior to Fabrizio Romano reporting that a deal with Basel had been struck.
Chelsea's budget Calafiori?
Chelsea moved quickly to secure Veiga's signature once it became increasingly clear that Riccardo Calafiori was keen on a move to Arsenal. The 22-year-old had been on Chelsea's radar following his standout performances for Bologna and Italy, but the Blues felt that pursuing him would be futile.
Instead, they went and ostensibly got the next best thing. Veiga was Calafiori's replacement at Basel last summer, arriving from Sporting CP after an unimpressive and brief loan stint at Bundesliga side Augsburg.
READ MORE: Chelsea WITHDRAW from race to sign €80m star
In the Swiss Super League, Veiga established himself as a starter and, due to his extensive experience of playing in midfield, Maresca and company feel that the Portuguese can offer them tactical flexibility and be used as an inverted full-back.
Veiga has penned a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
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