Manchester United have been actively linked with several targets during the winter transfer window as they seek reinforcements despite financial constraints. However, the Red Devils have reportedly faced a significant setback, as a $54 million star previously coached by Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP is now set to join Chelsea.
One of the key reasons United appointed Amorim as head coach was his impressive work at Sporting, where he built a successful team centered around young talents. Among those players, striker Viktor Gyokeres emerged as a prime target, but now another rising star has chosen a different path.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a pre-agreement to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP. The deal for the 17-year-old will be worth approximately €50 million ($54 million), a significant investment that Manchester United ultimately couldn’t match due to their ongoing financial struggles.
Quenda had been identified as a key target for Manchester United, largely due to his rapid development under Amorim, who played a crucial role in showcasing the youngster’s talents at the professional level. Chelsea, however, moved swiftly to outpace United and secure the promising Portuguese star.
A signing for Chelsea’s future
Although Chelsea have won the race to sign Quenda, the club reportedly views him as a long-term investment. As part of the deal, Quenda will be loaned back to Sporting CP for the 2025-26 season to continue his development.
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The agreement is set for seven years with an option to extend for one more, potentially keeping Quenda at Stamford Bridge until 2034. At just 17 years old, he’s widely regarded as one of soccer’s most exciting prospects, having already impressed at Sporting.
Capable of playing as a wing-back on both flanks, Quenda’s versatility earned him a call-up to Portugal’s national team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. This season, he has featured in 43 matches for Sporting, contributing two goals and eight assists — further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in European soccer.
