Chelsea Secure Deal for Sporting CP Wonderkid Geovany Quenda, Beating Manchester United to His Signature

The young winger, who has already made a name for himself in Portugal, was on Manchester United’s radar, but Chelsea acted quickly and sealed the deal under their rivals’ noses. The Blues will pay around £40 million for Quenda, who will sign a seven-year contract with the option for an extra year. However, he will remain at Sporting for one more season before officially joining Chelsea in the summer of 2026.

Quenda has been one of the most exciting young players in Portugal this season. Capable of playing on either wing, he is a fast and skillful left-footed attacker who has impressed with his performances in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League.

The teenage talent has made 35 appearances for Sporting this season, contributing two goals and eight assists. He even set up a goal against Manchester City in Sporting’s stunning 4-1 Champions League victory last November.

Despite being born in Guinea-Bissau, Quenda represents Portugal internationally and has already played at both the U17 and U21 levels. Last August, Portugal’s senior team manager, Roberto Martinez, called him up for Nations League matches, although he didn’t feature.

Chelsea have made a habit of signing top young talents, and Quenda will join an already impressive list of upcoming stars at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have also secured deals for South American wonderkids Estêvão Willian and Kendry Páez, both of whom will arrive this summer.

Keeping Quenda at Sporting for another year allows him to continue his development in a competitive league while preparing for life in the Premier League.

Manchester United had been closely monitoring Quenda, with scouts attending Sporting’s matches earlier this year. The winger had even worked under United’s current head coach, Rúben Amorim, at Sporting. However, Chelsea acted swiftly to finalize the deal before their rivals could make a move.

United fans may be disappointed, especially since Amorim had already identified Quenda’s talent long before he took charge at Old Trafford.

Quenda has already proven himself as one of the brightest young talents in European football. With his pace, creativity, and maturity on the pitch, Chelsea fans will be eager to see him in action when he finally arrives in 2026.

For now, he will remain at Sporting, where he is expected to continue his rapid development before making the highly anticipated move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have secured the signing of 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP for a fee of approximately £42.8 million (€51 million). Quenda will remain with Sporting until the summer of 2026 before joining Chelsea on a seven-year contract, with an option for an additional year.

Quenda has been a standout performer in Portugal, capable of playing on either wing. This season, he has made 43 appearances for Sporting, contributing two goals and eight assists. Notably, he provided an assist in Sporting’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City last November.

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Quenda represents Portugal internationally and has played at both the U17 and U21 levels. In August, he received a call-up to the senior national team for Nations League matches, although he did not feature.

Manchester United had also shown interest in Quenda, with scouts attending Sporting’s matches earlier this year. The winger had previously worked under United’s current head coach, Rúben Amorim, at Sporting. However, Chelsea acted swiftly to finalize the deal before their rivals could make a move.

This acquisition aligns with Chelsea’s strategy of investing in top young talents. The club has also secured deals for South American prospects Estêvão Willian and Kendry Páez, both set to arrive this summer. Allowing Quenda to remain at Sporting for another year enables him to continue his development in a competitive environment before transitioning to the Premier League.

Chelsea’s proactive approach in securing Quenda’s signature underscores their commitment to building a squad for the future, adding depth and potential to their attacking options.