Chelsea has moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing the signings of Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo from Sporting CP for a combined £62.4 million. Despite the summer window being months away, the club has wasted no time in reinforcing its squad.
Quenda, a highly rated 17-year-old winger, was previously linked with Manchester United but ultimately chose Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese U21 international has impressed as a wing-back for Sporting CP, contributing four assists this season. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, eager for a dynamic wide player, sees Quenda as a potential game-changer.
The Blues have struggled with consistency on the wings, with players like Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Jadon Sancho failing to deliver the desired impact. Sancho, in particular, is expected to return to Manchester United at the end of the season, with Chelsea reportedly willing to pay £5 million to cut his loan spell short.
Maresca’s tactical approach relies on controlled possession, but a lack of attacking unpredictability has made Chelsea too easy to defend against. Quenda could be deployed as a right-back or an attacking winger, offering versatility and an attacking spark similar to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
As Chelsea pushes for a top-four finish and aims for silverware in the Conference League, Quenda’s arrival signifies the club’s intent to keep evolving and strengthening under Maresca’s leadership.