Chelsea Set High Asking Price for Renato Veiga Amid Borussia Dortmund Interest

• Renato Veiga unsettled at Chelsea due to lack of game time in preferred position.
• The 21-year-old defender has been used mainly as a left-back but prefers to play as a centre-back.
• Chelsea could demand more than double the £12m they paid Basel last summer.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to cash in on Renato Veiga, with the club setting a significant asking price for the unsettled defender. The Portuguese youngster joined Chelsea from Basel for £12m in July 2024 but has struggled to secure regular minutes in his favored centre-back role.

Instead, Veiga has been deployed primarily as a backup left-back, standing in for Marc Cucurella. The 21-year-old has started only once in the Premier League, leading to frustration over his limited opportunities to play in his natural position.

Borussia Dortmund Interest

Veiga’s discontent has caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, with reports suggesting personal terms have already been agreed. Talks are said to be underway for an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy, but Chelsea are pushing for a permanent transfer upfront.

The Blues have reportedly set an asking price of “more than £20m,” according to The Guardian, while The Athletic suggests the figure could reach as high as £29m. Additionally, Chelsea are expected to include a sell-on clause in any agreement.

Maresca’s Take on Veiga’s Role

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed little sympathy for Veiga’s frustrations, pointing to the player’s recent call-up to the Portugal national team, where he earned three caps as a centre-back.

“I had a chat with Renato,” Maresca explained. “I told him that playing the position he has with us gave him the opportunity to be called up to the national team and generated interest from other clubs. That’s a positive outcome for both the team and the club.”

The manager also dismissed the idea that players should limit themselves to one position:

“If there’s a player who only wants to play in one position, they’ll struggle. Flexibility is good for everyone.”

When asked if Veiga’s desire for more regular game time was the issue, Maresca joked:

“I’ve said many times… I also want long hair, but it’s not possible!”

What’s Next?

Chelsea’s firm stance on Veiga’s valuation could set the stage for lengthy negotiations. Whether Dortmund meet the club’s demands or opt for a loan arrangement with future obligations remains to be seen.