Chelsea 'secure incredible coup' as Blues 'beat Man United' to Sporting Lisbon superstar

Manchester United have been heavily linked with the 17-year-old and had appeared to be the favourites for his signature ahead of the summer transfer window, with various reports in Portugal claiming that he would likely be heading for Old Trafford in the coming months.

However, according to journalist David Ornstein, Chelsea have now moved to secure his signature, with the Blues agreeing a deal for one of the best young talents in world football.

Ornstein claims that Quenda will remain on loan at Sporting during the 2024-25 campaign before officially making the move to the Premier League giants in the summer of 2026.

The teenager has allegedly agreed a contract until 2033, with the option to extend for a further 12 months, while Sporting will receive a transfer fee in the region of €45m (£38m)-€50m (£42m).

Chelsea 'agree deal for Sporting star Quenda'

Man United are believed to have explored the possibility of signing Quenda during the January market, with ex-Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim pushing for a reunion with the right-sided wing-back.

However, Chelsea have moved quickly to secure a deal, and it is understood that a medical has already been completed.

Amorim turned Quenda into a wing-back during his time at Sporting, but it has been suggested that Chelsea are intending to use him as a right-sided winger, with the club not operating with wing-backs.

Quenda has been with Sporting since 2019, progressing through the various age groups at the club before making his first-team debut in 2024, and he has since featured on 43 occasions for the senior side, scoring twice and providing eight assists.

How have Man United missed out on Quenda?

Man United appeared to be in an excellent position to sign Quenda, but in a major blow for the 20-time English champions, Chelsea have agreed a deal for an Amorim favourite.

Quenda fitted the brief in terms of Man United's new transfer policy, with outstanding youngsters being targeted, and his arrival would have been a huge statement of intent, but he will now play in the Premier League for Chelsea.

It will be interesting to see whether Man United still look to bring in a right-sided wing-back this summer, as Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are options in that area, while Patrick Dorgu is excelling down the left.

Chelsea's project is believed to have been most appealing to Quenda this stage of his career, while it is understood that he is keen to feature in the final third of the field despite excelling as a wing-back during the early stages of his time in the professional game.

Written by

Matt Law