Chelsea Set to Cash In Big as Disgruntled Defender Heads for Exit Door
Chelsea's active summer transfer period moves forward, with the club reportedly finalizing the profitable exit of young center-back Renato Veiga for a substantial fee.
Based on reports from Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal will compensate Chelsea with up to £25.5 million ($34.4 million), bonuses included, for Veiga's outright transfer. The London club will also retain a considerable future sale percentage.
Earlier today, Romano confirmed that Villarreal had secured personal agreements with the Portuguese defender. Negotiations between the clubs then intensified and a deal was swiftly finalized that will bring Veiga to the Spanish outfit.
Chelsea acquired Veiga just last summer from FC Basel for an estimated £12 million. The 22-year-old recorded only one Premier League start and accumulated most of his 18 total matches in cup tournaments, mainly the UEFA Conference League.
Veiga subsequently moved on loan to Juventus in the January window seeking more regular playing time. He would make 15 appearances for the Italian club, contributing to their successful Champions League qualification campaign.
Atlético Madrid had tried to secure Veiga earlier this summer, but the potential deal eventually fell through. Villarreal then intensified their pursuit and satisfied Chelsea's requirements to obtain the defender. According to Spanish publication MARCA, this represents Villarreal's second highest transfer fee in history.
One year following his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have generated considerable returns on their Veiga acquisition, selling him for more than twice their original investment. With under two weeks remaining before the transfer deadline, the Blues continue working on additional departures to enable further acquisitions.
Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho have been strongly connected with Chelsea throughout the past month. However, with Levi Colwill sidelined for most of the campaign and Veiga departing, the Blues might investigate the defensive market during the remaining window period.