Chelsea FC is reportedly prepared to engage in a fiercely contested battle with Manchester United to secure the services of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate, Geovany Quenda. According to Caught Offside via The Hard Tackle, Enzo Maresca’s side is eager to outbid a host of top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United, to sign the 17-year-old Sporting CP youngster.
Quenda, a versatile winger who can play as a right wing-back or right winger, has been an undisputed revelation for Sporting CP this season. He has made an impressive 20 appearances, registering two goals and as many assists, making him a hot property in the transfer market. What’s more, Quenda has already been called up for Portugal although he is yet to make his international debut.
Given his phenomenal rise, Sporting CP are reportedly unsure whether they will be able to retain their prized asset following Ruben Amorim’s departure in November. Should a top club like Manchester United make a move, it’s likely that they would see Quenda as a valuable acquisition. To make matters more challenging, Liverpool have also been heavily linked with the youngster, who boasts a €100 million release clause in his Sporting deal.
However, Chelsea are allegedly ready to take the first move, preparing a £60 million offer to secure the signature of the highly-rated teenager. Quenda’s achievements on the pitch are impressive, having recently surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record to become the youngest player to score a league goal for Sporting CP in a 3-0 win over Famalicao. He was just 17 years, five months, and 27 days old at the time.
Meanwhile, Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer has opened up on comparisons with Manchester United and Real Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo for his diligent training regime. The 22-year-old has become a key player for the Blues since joining them from Manchester City in 2023 in a reported £42.5 million deal, with an impressive record of 32 goals and 20 assists across competitions.
Palmer’s relentless training has earned him comparisons with Ronaldo, who was notorious for his exceptional dedication to fitness and self-improvement. Sir Alex Ferguson had to intervene to stop Ronaldo from overtraining during his Manchester United days, while Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has also followed a similar approach with Palmer.
In an interview with Blues legend Gianfranco Zola, Palmer expressed his admiration for Ronaldo’s dedication, stating, “Yeah, if Maresca lets me! It’s too much sometimes. [I would stay all day] if I could.” It’s no surprise that Chelsea are keen to emulate the winning mentality of Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, who built a legacy of success with a strong emphasis on team bonding and individual commitment.
For Chelsea, this transfer window offers a chance to bolster their squad with young, talented players who can help drive the team forward. Quenda’s arrival would not only add depth to the squad but also provide a significant infusion of youth and energy. Manchester United, on the other hand, will be eager to reunite with Ruben Amorim and his prized asset, Geovany Quenda, as they seek to revamp their squad and reclaim their position among the top clubs in Europe. The battle for Quenda’s signature is set to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the season.
