Renato Veiga’s motives for wanting to leave Chelsea this month are very intriguing.
Chelsea only signed Renato Veiga from Basel last summer, but the defender already looks to be on his way out.
One reason is because Veiga wants to play in central defence. This season, Enzo Maresca has mostly used him at left-back.
However, when Chelsea brought the Portuguese to the club, they probably did not think that was going to be a problem.
Renato Veiga was not a centre-back at Basel
While Veiga has not been playing regularly under Maresca, he seemed happy.
There had been no noise about the 21-year-old wanting to leave, so recent developments may have surprised some Chelsea supporters.
That being said, due to his lack of game time, there are probably also others who are not completely shocked about what is going on.
From Chelsea’s point of view, it is probably a little bit of both. Yes, the Portugal international wants to play more, but his desire to be a centre-half may have puzzled a few at Stamford Bridge.
At Basel last season, Veiga was only used in that position four times. He actually spent most of his spell there in midfield.
| Renato Veiga’s positions in 2023/24 season | Games played there |
| Centre-back | 4 |
| Defensive midfielder | 14 |
| Central midfielder | 6 |
Whatever the case, Veiga’s mind looks to be made up, while it appears unlikely that Chelsea will force him to stay. It is being reported that Chelsea are willing to sell Veiga for around £20m.
Renato Veiga leaving Chelsea would be disappointing
Given that Veiga can play at centre-back, left-back and in midfield, he is the sort of footballer Chelsea should be looking to keep hold of, especially with the injuries that they have picked up this season.
Veiga is still only 21, a Portugal international and cost Chelsea just £12m. He has a lot of potential and ability and is probably going to go on to become something special.
To lose him this quickly, then, would be quite disappointing. But if Veiga wants out, then it may be best for Chelsea to let him go.
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