- 17 hours ago
Romano reveals truth behind Chelsea’s ‘SECRET BLITZ’ to beat Man Utd to Quenda
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 14 Mar 2025 06:36 CDT
- 5 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has dived into the background of Geovany Quenda’s surprise transfer to Chelsea from Sporting CP, in a deal that has left Manchester United in the dust.
United were firm favourites for weeks to snap up Quenda, but the Blues accelerated on the deal and have come almost from nowhere to secure the services of the 17-year-old winger.
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Current ETV
Geovany Quenda
F (R), M (RL)
Sporting CP
Geovany Quenda
F (R), M (RL)
Sporting CP
ETV Range
€35.5M - €43.4M
The teenager is set to sign for around €45-50 million and will pen a deal until 2033 with a one-year option, although he will only join the Stamford Bridge side in 2026.
Romano explained on YouTube: “Geovany Quenda is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
“Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Sporting in terms of transfer fee. Chelsea have reached an agreement with the player in terms of contract and in terms of commission with an agent, a big agent involved. Because we know how Jorge Mendes is always very powerful in Portugal. And his name has been mentioned by sources as one of the crucial roles involved in this Geovany Quenda story.
“Who is he for those who maybe don't know or don't follow football on a daily basis? He’s one of the best wingers in the world in terms of talents, of course, in terms of potential. He can become a superstar one day. That's what people in the industry have felt for a long time. He's already been part of the Portuguese national team. He's a regular part of Sporting squad, a player very well known by Ruben Amorim.”
READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours
Why Man Utd missed out on Quenda
Romano explained that this relationship with Man Utd head coach Amorim had seemed to have put the Red Devils in pole to sign him – but also why the deal didn’t happen.
“Manchester United have been in talks and discussions for Quenda for weeks in terms of starting conversations to understand how to make a deal happen. He was for sure a player on their shortlist and for sure a player really appreciated and highly rated by Ruben Amorim. But we know how Financial Fair Play is a big topic for Man Utd,” he explained.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe said that there will be a budget in the summer for Ruben but it's really important for Man Utd first to understand whether they will play European football next season.
“Man United are still in Europa League. They beat Real Sociedad and they hope to be in Champions League next season by winning the Europa League. So that's a crucial point.
“And then the sales for Man United is really important to sell players. That's absolutely, absolutely crucial for Manchester United. That's something we've been repeating for a long time. And then also Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ruben Amorim, all people at the club are not denying the reality.
“United selling players is really important. And this is why they can't be fast on the market.”
READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours
Chelsea can afford to be patient
Romano went on to explain that Chelsea had the luxury of parking Quenda at Sporting, which gave them another key advantage over their Premier League rivals.
“Man United wanted Quenda to join the club immediately. He was considered an important part of the conversation for Ruben Amorim in this summer transfer window,” Amorim said.
“Chelsea have Willian Estevao coming to the club immediately, Kendry Paez coming to the club. Of course, these are different players, but still offensive players. Chelsea already have many players in those positions. And so they were willing to accept Sporting’s condition, letting them have the player for one more season in order to anticipate other clubs and sign Quenda.
“Chelsea, with a vision, with a blitz, have worked to anticipate all the other clubs and they are closing in on a deal for Quenda. It's a really massive story because, again, Chelsea, in terms of wingers, have always been very attentive to the markets. They want to cover that position.
“We know what happened in January. Chelsea didn't sign a player, but, for example, they lost some players like Mykhailo Mudryk, who is still waiting to have an official sanction after the doping story. We have to see how that story will be clarified.
“But in general, for Chelsea, the wing position is something really important for the future, let's say for the next year. And Giovani Quenda is a player they've been monitoring for a long time. He's a player that they've been secretly contacting in terms of player camp to make sure there was still room to make something happen.”
Quenda proof the transfer market is always open
Romano concluded by offering a reminder about the unpredictability of the transfer market and to keep constant tabs on what is going on.
“When people ask me, when does the market opens - it's always open,” he said. “The transfer window is always open. Then there is an official day when the window is opening, but the movements are always there.
“And this is the case because Chelsea are closing in on a deal for one of the best talents in the world in his position.
“Geovany Quenda, who is fast, who is skilful, who can play together in the future with Willan Estevao behind the striker. So it will be a very massive signing. Chelsea are on it.”
