Chelsea are on the verge of completing their sixth summer signing with the £12 million acquisition of FC Basel defender Renato Veiga. The 20-year-old Portuguese full-back is seen as a promising talent, but his arrival also hints at the tactical plans of new manager Enzo Maresca.
Veiga's transfer fee suggests Chelsea view him as a player for the future, but with a long-term contract until 2032, he could be integrated into the first team squad soon. This aligns with the Boehly era's transfer strategy of signing young players with high potential.
So why is Veiga particularly interesting to Chelsea? The answer likely lies in Maresca's preferred style of play. The Italian coach, known for his attacking brand of football, will likely want his full-backs to push high up the pitch and contribute offensively. Veiga, known for his attacking prowess and overlapping runs, perfectly fits this mold.
This move could also address a concern area for Chelsea. While they have established options at full-back, adding a young, dynamic defender like Veiga provides depth and competition for places. With aspirations of competing on all fronts, squad rotation will be crucial for Chelsea's success.
The acquisition of Veiga is another sign of Chelsea's ambition under new ownership and management. Maresca is building a squad for the future, and the young Portuguese defender appears to be a key piece of that puzzle.