Chelsea have successfully hijacked Manchester United’s move for Sporting Lisbon’s teenage sensation Geovany Quenda. The Blues have reached an agreement with Sporting to sign the 17-year-old winger for a fee between €45 million and €50 million.
Quenda, who made his debut under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United following Amorim’s appointment at Old Trafford. However, Chelsea acted swiftly, completing a secret medical and securing a seven-year deal with the youngster.
As part of the agreement, Quenda will remain at Sporting until the summer of 2026, allowing him to continue his development while gaining valuable experience in the Portuguese top flight and European competitions.
The Portuguese winger has already impressed this season, making over 40 appearances for Sporting, including ten in the Champions League. Known for his blistering pace and direct playing style, Quenda has been tipped to become one of Europe’s top talents.
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte praised Quenda’s potential, saying, “He’s very quick and direct, always looking to create something in the final third. He’s causing havoc in Portugal and could do the same in the Premier League.”
Chelsea’s decision to invest in Quenda highlights their strategy of targeting young talent for the future. With his arrival set for 2026, the Blues aim to strengthen their attacking options as they look to compete for major titles.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will be left frustrated after missing out on a player who was seen as a perfect fit for Amorim’s style of play. Quenda’s familiarity with the Portuguese coach’s system would have made him a valuable addition to the squad.
For now, Quenda will focus on helping Sporting in their pursuit of the Primeira Liga title, while Chelsea shift their attention to their upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal as they push for a top-four finish.