Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images
Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ under Enzo Maresca were deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, however one of those players has emerged on Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist.
Maresca inherited a bloated side when he took over at Stamford Bridge, with a large amount of big-money signings either out of the frame, or waiting for minutes against Conference League opposition.
Raheem Sterling was the headline name in this camp, although players like Renato Veiga also struggled to establish themselves at Chelsea due to the magnitude of players.
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Real Madrid looking at signing former Chelsea star Renato Veiga
Veiga has impressed since departing West London at both Juventus and Villarreal, and this has been enough to attract Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.
As per Marca, Madrid are looking at signing Veiga as they look to bolster their defensive options going into the 2026/27 season.
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Regular injury woes have hurt their backline, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen struggling to remain fit on a regular basis.
After spending half a season on loan in Italy, Veiga returned to West London only to find himself out of the plans following the Club World Cup triumph.
This was despite Maresca’s desire to add another central defender to his ranks following a serious injury suffered by Levi Colwill before the new campaign began.
While Chelsea will internally be pleased with the £26m they earned for Veiga, his value seems to have skyrocketed since earning regular minutes.
Veiga is seen as more valuable than Lewis Hall, another player Chelsea let go who has gone on to flourish since.
There are reports that Chelsea are keen to bring Hall back to the club following the departure of Marc Cucurella, who could link up once again with Veiga at Madrid if his move is confirmed.
However, it is going to take some convincing from Xabi Alonso and the Chelsea board to repair the damage done from letting Hall go in the first place, with plenty of other sides keen on a deal too.