Chelsea complete first major January transfer as player issues 10-word statement
Chelsea defender Renato Veiga has joined Juventus on loan until the end of the season, it has been confirmed.
The 21-year-old joined the Blues from Basel for around £12million in the summer. Mainly operating at left-back, Veiga made 18 appearances for Chelsea this season and even contributed with two goals and an assist.
Enzo Maresca mainly only trusted the defender in cup competitions, though, and it's believed Veiga wanted to ensure he was playing regularly during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign. The loan deal makes sense for both Chelsea and Veiga, with Juventus agreeing to cover the Portugal international's wages and pay a £3.8million loan fee, according to the BBC. No option to buy has been included in the deal.
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In a statement Chelsea said: "Chelsea defender Renato Veiga will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Serie A side Juventus. Veiga joined the Blues in July from FC Basel and made 18 appearances in all competitions this season.
"We look forward to supporting his development throughout the loan. Good luck, Renato!"
Veiga, who can also play as a midfielder, will wear the No.12 shirt at Juventus. Writing on Instagram after the move was completed, Veiga said: "Very happy to be a part of this great club!"
football.london initially understood that Veiga would only be allowed to leave this month on a permanent deal, with the club originally looking for a fee in the region of £20million. That stance obviously changed, however, and it's likely the issue will now be looked at once again in the summer.
It's understood Veiga wants first-team football and is planning ahead to the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, looking for more game time in order to secure a place in Roberto Martinez’s squad. Chelsea, despite the initial plans, did not want to sell the player with Veiga himself not pushing for a permanent exit.
