Chelsea Football Club have once again demonstrated their ambition in the transfer market, securing a deal for one of Europe’s most promising young talents, Geovany Quenda. The 17-year-old Portuguese starlet from Sporting CP has agreed to join the Blues in a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with the transfer set to be finalized in 2026.
The agreement, described as a “secret blitz” by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, sees Chelsea outmaneuver several top clubs, including rivals Manchester United, who had been heavily linked with the versatile winger. Quenda, who has already completed his medical, will remain with Sporting until next year before making the switch to Stamford Bridge. The club-to-club agreement with Sporting has been finalized, and Quenda has given his resounding approval to Chelsea’s project under manager Enzo Maresca.
Quenda has been a revelation in Portugal, breaking into Sporting’s first team at just 17 under former manager Ruben Amorim, now at Manchester United. His standout performances, including a record-breaking goal against Porto that made him Sporting’s youngest-ever scorer, have marked him as a generational talent. With two goals and seven assists this season, Quenda’s pace, intelligence, and ability to play as both a winger and wing-back have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite.
His international exploits further underscore his potential. Quenda earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and became the youngest Portuguese player to start a Champions League match during Sporting’s 2-0 victory over Lille in September 2024.
This signing is the latest in Chelsea’s aggressive strategy to stockpile the world’s best young talents. The Blues have already secured the likes of Brazilian sensations Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, alongside other promising prospects, as part of a long-term vision to dominate European football. Quenda’s arrival in 2026 will add another jewel to an already glittering crown, with the club betting on his development under Maresca’s guidance.
“Chelsea agree deal for Portuguese top talent Geovany Quenda, here we go!” Romano announced late Thursday evening. “Medical DONE for Quenda after secret blitz, he will join Chelsea in 2026. Club to club agreement completed with Sporting, and Quenda said yes to Chelsea’s project & Enzo Maresca’s plans.”
The transfer represents a significant coup for Chelsea, particularly at the expense of Manchester United. Quenda had been a prime target for United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, who gave the youngster his senior debut at Sporting. Reports earlier this year suggested United were close to securing a pre-agreement with Quenda, with the player reportedly open to reuniting with Amorim. However, Chelsea’s swift and decisive action has turned the tide, leaving United to reassess their plans for the summer transfer window.
Sporting are believed to have demanded a fee in the region of £50 million, though the exact financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. Quenda’s contract with Sporting includes a £84 million release clause, suggesting Chelsea may have negotiated a bargain for a player whose valuation has skyrocketed in recent months.