Chelsea have once again demonstrated their aggressive approach to signing young talent by securing the services of Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP.
The 17-year-old starlet, who has already made a name for himself in Portugal, will officially join the Blues in July 2026.
This move sees Chelsea fend off strong competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United, who had also been eyeing the promising youngster.
Chelsea have consistently pursued the best young footballing prospects from around the globe.
Their latest acquisition aligns with the club’s strategy, which has already seen the signings of Kendry Paez from Independiente Valle and Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Both players will arrive in London this summer upon turning 18, having been secured on advanced deals similar to Quenda’s.
Quenda has agreed to a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, with an option to extend for an additional year.
The talented right-winger has already completed his medical examination, confirming his commitment to Chelsea’s project.
The move is a significant blow to Manchester United, who had shown keen interest in signing Quenda.
The Red Devils, under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, had explored a potential deal for the youngster earlier this year.
However, Chelsea moved quickly and managed to secure his signature for a fee reported to be between £37.8 million and £41.9 million, per The Athletic.
Despite playing under Amorim at Sporting CP, Quenda has opted for a future in west London.
The teenager has been a revelation this season, making 43 appearances across all competitions, including 10 starts in the UEFA Champions League.
His contributions from the right flank include two goals and eight assists, further showcasing his attacking prowess.
Ruben Amorim has been vocal about Quenda’s potential, describing him as a “very talented kid” with a strong mindset.
The former Sporting CP coach praised his robustness and grounded attitude, emphasizing that he has all the qualities to become a great player.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva has also acknowledged the youngster’s abilities, hinting that Quenda could be his natural successor for Portugal.
The City playmaker noted that at 17, he was nowhere near the level that Quenda has already achieved.
Quenda has already etched his name into Sporting CP’s history books. In October, he became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years, five months, and 27 days, surpassing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. Additionally, he made history as the youngest player to feature in the Lisbon derby against Benfica.
With Chelsea securing another high-profile young talent, the club continues to build for the future. Quenda will remain at Sporting CP until 2026, gaining valuable first-team experience before making his long-anticipated move to the Premier League. If his trajectory continues at the same pace, Chelsea may have unearthed another future superstar.
