Chelsea FC have unveiled their next summer signing: Renato Veiga, whose loan from FC Augsburg ended prematurely twelve months ago, arrives from FC Basel for €14 million
It’s only been a year since Renato Veiga was no longer needed at FC Augsburg. The defensive midfielder was originally loaned out by the Bundesliga club for twelve months. But because the supposed transfer coup turned out to be a flop, the Fuggerstadt club ended the loan, which was due to run until December 31, 2023, early.
Renato Veiga made 13 appearances in the Bundesliga, coming off the bench six times and failing to score. In the same summer, parent club Sporting Lisbon parted ways with Portugal’s U-21 international, who was transferred to FC Basel for around €4.5 million
In Switzerland, Renato Veiga made 26 competitive appearances, in which he scored two goals and provided one assist. Due to a sprained ankle, the Lisbon-born defensive all-rounder, who can play in a variety of positions in defensive midfield and defense, was barely able to help out in the final stretch of the season.
And yet the approaches were enough to attract a prominent club. Basel officially announced on July 5 that Renato Veiga had left the Swiss team’s training camp to negotiate with another club. That club was Chelsea FC, who, according to media reports, are now paying €14 million to prise Renato Veiga away from Basel despite his contract running until 2027. The 20-year-old signed a contract with the Blues on Friday until June 30, 2031, which also includes an option for a further year.
Blues chase top talent
Chelsea FC, who have already signed two top talents this summer in the form of 18-year-old Omari Kellyman (from Aston Villa) and Marc Guiu (from Barcelona), are once again setting a good pace in the transfer market. Before Renato Veiga, the 2021 Champions League winners had already strengthened their ranks with Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham) and Leicester’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Chelsea kick off the new Premier League season on August 18 (5.30pm) in the toughest possible way – with a home game against champions Manchester City.
