Chelsea have reportedly established their stance over the future of Renato Veiga in light of Levi Colwill's recent injury blow.
On the first day of the club's pre-season earlier this week, Colwill suffered a serious knee injury and has since undergone surgery that could keep him sidelined for the entirety of 2025-26.
Head coach Enzo Maresca revealed after the 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night that it was a "priority" to find a replacement for the England international, emphasising his importance to the team.
Despite that claim, the Blues already have an array of central defenders on their books, including Veiga who made a solid impression during the first half of last season before a difference of opinion with Maresca led to a loan exit to Juventus.
While Chelsea have been actively looking to sell the Portugal international, his ability as a left-sided centre-back and possessing similar physicality to Colwill has led to some sections of the fanbase calling for his reintegration.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca pictured on June 28, 2025
What is Chelsea's stance on Veiga?
However, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are no plans for Maresca to hand the 22-year-old a second chance in his squad.
Veiga has previously stressed to Maresca that he wishes to be regarded as a central defender rather than a utility player, his head coach insisting that the former Basel man should be prepared to play in more than one role.
Even with a window opening for Maresca to hand Veiga an opportunity to seamlessly return to the senior ranks, the situation regarding the former Juventus loanee remains the same.
Romano adds that Veiga is also ready to start a "new chapter" and discussions will be held with a number of clubs over the coming days.
He has already missed out on a transfer to Atletico Madrid courtesy of Chelsea haggling over their £35m valuation and the Spanish giants subsequently opting for Feyenoord's David Hancko instead.
Chelsea's Renato Veiga pictured on November 28, 2024
An inevitable decision
Maresca has proven in the past that the door is not closed on some players who move out on loan, such as Trevoh Chalobah who impressed at Crystal Palace before being recalled in January.
Key figures at Chelsea were left with Chalobah's conduct during his time out of Maresca's plans, but that has seemingly not been the case here.
As well as Maresca and Veiga having seemingly not made up, the business element cannot be ignored with Chelsea in line to make in excess of £20m profit if their valuation for Veiga is met.
His sale may realistically be required for Chelsea to press ahead with acquiring their chosen alternative to Colwill over the coming weeks.
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