Renato Veiga set to leave Chelsea! Villarreal agree club-record deal to sign forgotten 2024 Blues signing

Renato Veiga Chelsea

Renato Veiga is all set to end his nightmare at Chelsea, as Villarreal have agreed on a club record deal with the Blues to sign the Portuguese defender. Veiga, who moved to Stamford Bridge in 2024 from Basel, never really settled in West London and struggled for game time. In January 2025, he was loaned to Serie A giants Juventus on a short-term deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Standard, Villarreal have agreed to pay a transfer fee of €30 million (£26m/$35m) to Chelsea to secure the transfer for Veiga. The report adds that the Blues have included a sell-on clause in the transfer agreement. Veiga is now all set to be unveiled as Villarreal's club record transfer.    

Renato Veiga

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Veiga was under contract with Chelsea until 2031, but his representatives were actively exploring transfer opportunities this summer. Even though Levi Colwill is set to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, it was made clear to the Portuguese defender that he no longer features in head coach Enzo Maresca's plans.  

DID YOU KNOW?

Other than Villarreal, Juventus were also keen on bringing back the defender on a permanent transfer, while Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund had shown interest in Veiga after Niklas Sule's muscle injury.  

Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Veiga becomes the 11th Chelsea player to exit Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues are still trying to offload Christopher Nkunku in a bid to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. They will next face West Ham in the Premier League on Friday.