Chelsea stun Man Utd with transfer hijack « Euro Weekly News

Chelsea have pulled off a dramatic transfer coup, hijacking Manchester United’s move for Geovany Quenda in a last-minute deal.

Despite some reports in Portugal suggesting that United had secured the Sporting CP young starlet, Chelsea worked behind the scenes. The London club made a secret medical and reached an agreement with Quenda ahead of their rivals.

Quenda at Chelsea:“Here we go!”

According to the Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 17-year-old wing-back has accepted Chelsea’s project under Enzo Maresca and will officially join the club in 2026.

“Chelsea agreed a deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany Quenda, here we go! Medical DONE after secret blitz. He will join Chelsea in 2026. Club-to-club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project.”

While the exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, Sporting had valued Quenda at €60m (£50.3m), with expectations that a €40m (£33.5m) bid could seal the deal.

The youngster from Guinea-Bissau

Born in Guinea-Bissau on 30 April 2007, Quenda moved to Portugal as a child and began his football journey at Damaiense at just eight years old. He later joined Benfica’s academy before making a switch to Sporting CP in 2019.

His talent quickly became evident, and in February 2024, he made history as the youngest-ever player to feature for Sporting’s reserve team at just 16 years old, in a game against Amora. His impressive performances caught the eye of first-team coach Ruben Amorim, who talked about his versatility and technical ability.

“He can play in several positions, he has a lot of quality and irreverence. He is another option,” Amorim said after naming him in Sporting’s squad for a Europa League tie against Atalanta in March 2024.

Record-breaking talent

Quenda’s rise continued as he was named in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament after excelling for Portugal. He then marked his senior debut with a goal against Porto on 3 August 2024, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Sporting’s history at just 17 years and 95 days. The record previously was held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Simão Sabrosa.

His rapid development saw him break another record in September 2024 when he became the youngest Portuguese player to start a Champions League match during Sporting’s 2-0 win over Lille.

His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed at the international level. Quenda was called up to the Portugal national team and was an unused substitute in their 2-1 win over Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.

Portugal coach, Spaniard Roberto Martínez, was full of good words for the youngster: “He’s a player who likes to make things difficult for defenders. He has a technical quality that is not normal for a 17-year-old. He’s now in Sporting’s first team and has shown incredible personality.”

Quenda has also impressed for Portugal’s Under-21 side, registering an assist in a 2-1 win against Andorra. Now, with his future set at Chelsea, the Blues have secured one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, also dealing a significant blow to Manchester United’s transfer plans.

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