Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea now in talks over Renato Veiga transfer — reports

Yesterday at 11:29 AM

Well that escalated quickly

Renato Veiga's situation has escalated form idle rumor-mongering to actual negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea for his actual transfer. Well then.

As per multiple sources this morning, the 21-year-old is now "expected" to leave, looking for more playing time and apparently more playing time at center back (like he has been for the Portual national team).

Enzo Maresca confirmed these concerns from the player in today's press conference.

"I had the chat with Renato. I said to him [...] in terms of playing in the position he is playing with us and how it gave him the chance to join the international team and also gave him the chance to have speculation around him. That means clubs are probably looking for him and looking for players that are doing well, well with the club and well with the national team.

"If there was a player that just wanted to play in one position, they are going to struggle today. They have to adapt; they have to play in different positions, learn to play in different positions because it is a good thing for the team and for the club."

"[Yes, he wants to play regularly], but I said many times, I also want the long hair. We have 25 players that all want to play but it is not possible. [...] Our target is to, first of all, to do the best for the club and the team — that means trying to win games. Also, if we can keep players happy, then we are happy but that is not the reality: the players are happy just if they play and if they don't play, then they are not happy."

-Enzo Maresca; source: Football.London

Chelsea's reported asking price is around £20m, though the full package might end up being closer to €30m, which would be a pretty sweet deal for us I think. Veiga may be versatile and willing, but he's hardly irreplaceable.