Chelsea Confirm £26 Million Defender Sale to Villarreal with Significant Profit

Chelsea have sold defender Renato Veiga to Villarreal for a transfer fee rising up to £26 million, more than doubling the £12 million they paid for him last year. Veiga, who made limited appearances for Chelsea and spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Juventus, signed a seven-year deal with Villarreal. The deal includes a significant 40% sell-on clause, potentially increasing Chelsea's future earnings from the player. This transfer is part of Chelsea's broader summer strategy, having generated over £250 million from player sales to offset their £277 million spent on new signings. The club is also exploring further departures and new acquisitions, particularly in defense, following Veiga's exit. Villarreal's acquisition of Veiga is reportedly their second most expensive signing ever, highlighting their investment in the young Portugal international.