Chelsea eye Benfica wonderkid as bold transfer policy continues

Cameron Smith

• 2 Sept 2024 10:00 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are monitoring Benfica youngster Joao Rego, according to fresh reports from Portugal.

The 19-year-old has amassed just two senior appearances for Benfica, but his performances for their B team have attracted interest from multiple top European clubs.

Chelsea are among the teams eyeing a potential move for Rego, with Enzo Maresca’s side making “constant observations and collecting positive indicators,” as per Record.

READ MORE: Chelsea's 10 most expensive transfers of all time

The Blues are yet to submit a formal proposal for the teenager, but they are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential move.

Rego, who is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or a left winger, has played 28 times for Benfica’s B team - scoring two goals and providing three assists.

He has four years left on his current contract with the Portuguese giants and Benfica are unlikely to allow him to leave on the cheap.

READ MORE: Every wonderkid Chelsea have signed under Todd Boehly

Chelsea’s pursuit of Rego comes as little surprise given their transfer policy over the past few years.

The west London club have prioritised signing some of the best youngsters in world football since 2022, and the bulk of their €1.2 billion spend under Todd Boehly’s ownership has been splashed on players aged 23 or below.

Enzo Fernandez was one such signing, with the Argentina international signed from Benfica for a British record fee of €121 million in January 2023 following his immense performances at the Qatar World Cup.

Chelsea want another Benfica star

Chelsea’s interest in Rego comes following news of their pursuit of fellow Benfica star Tomas Araujo.

According to reports, the Blues enquired about Araujo’s availability ahead of Transfer Deadline Day as they looked to bolster Maresca’s defensive options.

However, Chelsea opted against submitting a late bid for the 22-year-old, despite the fact Trevoh Chalobah was sent to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Araujo and could reignite their pursuit of the Portuguese defender during the January transfer window.