Contrary to earlier reports that suggested he would be interested in a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund, it has been reported that Renato Veiga is only interested in leaving Chelsea on a six-month loan transfer.
With a seven-year contract with a one-year option, the 21-year-old utility star, who can play center defense, left back, and defensive midfield, only joined Chelsea from Basel in July for a reported €14 million.
Earlier this month, Veiga surfaced as a possible target for Borussia Dortmund. Veiga has played 18 times for Chelsea across all competitions, primarily as a regular for Enzo Maresca in the Conference League.
Veiga had reportedly struck a "total verbal agreement" to join Dortmund, who are also attempting to sign Chelsea colleague Carney Chukwuemeka, according to earlier reports in Germany. However, the two clubs had not yet agreed on a fee.
In an attempt to convince the Bundesliga powerhouses to part with about €35 million (£29 million), Dortmund was reportedly pressing for a loan move while Chelsea wanted to approve a permanent sale.
However, Veiga has only ever expressed interest in leaving Chelsea temporarily, according to Fabrizio Romano, and he is still dedicated to the team's long-term goal. As a result, the three-cap Portugal international will only entertain a six-month loan move, with the goal of eventually rejoining Chelsea to compete for a starting position.
Marc Cucurella is Chelsea's first-choice left-back, Veiga's preferred position. Ben Chilwell is still on Chelsea's roster, but he hasn't played in the Premier League this season and has been told he is free to find another team.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea can find someone to replace their vice captain. Chilwell, who cost £45 million to sign from Leicester City in August 2020, has struggled with several injuries while at Stamford Bridge. His 27 games in his debut season are by far the most he has ever made.
Chilwell, who inked a new four-year deal in April 2023, only participated in 13 Premier League games the previous season after missing three months due to a hamstring injury. However, he did captain Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final in February, which Liverpool won 1-0 thanks to a header from Virgil van Dijk in the 118th minute.
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