Renato Veiga is still expected to leave Chelsea this summer despite Levi Colwill injury with several clubs keen on signing the Portuguese centre-back. The 22-year-old signed for the Blues for a fee of £12 million one year ago.
Softfootball reported earlier that Chelsea were rocked this week by the news of Colwill ACL injury and he will miss virtually the entire season. It’s a huge blow given how important the England star has been to the squad, and the Blues now have to decide if they should trust their current options or bring another centre back in.
There had been rumors about Chelsea considering whether to enter the market for a new centre back, but after the game against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night, Maresca made it clear he wanted another defender.
Softfootball understood that there had been talk of whether Veiga could be reintegrated into the squad, given he left on loan in January to Juventus.
Veiga’s short stint with the Bianconeri last season was enough for head coach Igor Tudor to see his untapped potential. The Serie A side wanted to sign the Portuguese defender permanently but were swiftly turned down by Chelsea.
However, Juventus have renewed their interest and are again looking for ways to bring the 22-year-old to Turin.
There’s now a clear opening for the 21-year-old, however Fabrizio Romano has provided an update via his X handle on the Portugal international’s future. He reported that the intention is still for Renato Veiga to leave Chelsea despite Levi Colwill’s injury. His tweet reads:
“Chelsea consider Renato Veiga for sale even after Levi Colwill injury… and Veiga wants new chapter.
Talks to advance in the next days with several clubs keen after Atléti deal off”.
Veiga was close to joining to Atletico Madrid before the deal fell through, but there’s reported interest from Saudi Arabia also, with Chelsea still wanting a total package of €40m.
Chelsea now need to find themselves a new centre back which isn’t an easy task, but the obvious option would be Marc Guehi. The Blues explored a move for the England star in Janaury, before opting to recall Chalobah, but they could reignite their interest in the Crystal Palace captain.
