Fabrizio Romano has disclosed the “key factor” among two reasons that explain why Chelsea outmaneuvered Manchester United in acquiring Sporting’s Geovany Quenda.
Ruben Amorim gave Quenda his first appearance at Sporting, and the teenager quickly became an essential player for his team before Amorim moved to United in November, playing as a right wing-back in the Portuguese coach’s 3-4-3 formation.
It was implied that it was only a matter of time until Quenda united with Amorim at Old Trafford, as a January report indicated the Red Devils had already ‘secured’ the 17-year-old prior to a summer transfer.
David Ornstein from The Athletic minimized those speculations by asserting that no ‘official offer’ had been extended by United, yet in February it was reported that Quenda had ‘verbally committed’ to rejoin Amorim.
All signs indicated a transfer to Manchester United, but Romano disclosed shocking news that Chelsea had outbid them in the early hours of Friday.
He posted on X: ‘BREAKING: Chelsea reach agreement for Portuguese standout Geovany Quenda, here we go! Medical completed for Quenda after covert operation; he will join Chelsea in 2026.
‘Agreement between clubs finalized with Sporting, and Quenda agreed to Chelsea project & Enzo Maresca’s strategies.’
David Ornstein from The Athletic later disclosed that United planned to propose roughly €40m, whereas Chelsea consented to a payment of between €45m and €50m. However, Romano stated that the timing of Quenda’s transfer to Chelsea also influenced the choice.
“There is an important point,” Romano stated on his YouTube channel. “Geovany Quenda will move to Chelsea in the summer of 2026, meaning not this upcoming summer, but allowing the player to remain at Sporting for another season.”
"This is an important subject in discussions at the club, as Man Utd wished for Quenda to join the team right away."
"He was seen as a key element in the discussion for Ruben Amorim during this (forthcoming) summer transfer window."
Chelsea are set to welcome Willian Estevao and Kendry Paez to the club. Certainly, these are distinct players with varied abilities, yet they are all offensive players.
“Chelsea currently possess numerous players in those roles, and thus they are ready to agree to Sporting’s terms – allowing [Sporting] to retain the player for another season to outpace other teams and secure Geovany Quenda.”
It is reported that a seven-year agreement has been established until 2033, with the choice of an additional year.
United and Amorim intended to position the left-footer at right wing-back, opposite January acquisition Patrick Dorgu, but Enzo Maresca (unless he’s succeeded by Carlo Ancelotti or another coach by that time) aims to use Quenda in a more forward position on the wing.
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