Geovany Quenda has regularly been touted as a Manchester United target since Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
Ineos seem fully aware it will take years to build a Manchester United squad strong enough to win the biggest honours, which explains why they are prioritising young players with high ceilings in the transfer market.
Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are perfect examples of that from the January transfer window, after signing Leny Yoro last summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos chiefs also decided to act mid-season after an underwhelming start to the campaign unfolded. That led to Erik ten Hag getting the sack, only for the Dutchman to be replaced by Ruben Amorim.
The media immediately linked United to several Sporting CP players, including prolific goalscorer Viktor Gyokeres.
United will be preparing for the summer transfer window and it looks like they may have already suffered a setback in regards to one target admired by Amorim.
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea agree deal to sign Geovany Quenda
Sporting CP wing-back Geovany Quenda made his professional debut under Ruben Amorim in August.
The 17-year-old appeared to become a prime target for United with reports suggesting just two weeks ago that United were open to signing Quenda, despite the arrival of Dorgu, having met with super agent Jorge Mendes in November to discuss his client’s future at Sporting.
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However, it turns out Chelsea are about to hijack United’s approach for Quenda.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea have secured a deal to sign Quenda after a ‘secret blitz’. The versatile Portuguese starlet has already completed his medical and will join Chelsea in 2026.
Quenda has reportedly said yes to the Chelsea project and Enzo Maresca’s plans for the future, which rules out any opportunity of a reunion with Amorim at Old Trafford.
What Ruben Amorim said about Quenda
Geovany Quenda is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe after making a name for himself in Portugal this season, making 43 appearances.
When Quenda was being integrated into Sporting’s first-team last summer, Amorim gave a bit of insight into the player following an impressive performance in a pre-season friendly.
“He’s very talented, very mature and understands the game like an adult,” Amorim told Sporting TV in July, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“He obviously has a lot to improve on, but I think he had an excellent game and we have a player there.”
Quenda continued to thrive under Amorim and has now become a key player for Sporting. There’s no doubt Chelsea will be paying big money for his signature, too.
Quenda becomes one that could get away for United, but it remains to be seen how much money will be put towards summer transfers. Ineos need to balance the importance of selling players too.