Chelsea have announced the signing of Veiga for £12 million on a seven-year contract with an option for a further year. It‘s also revealed that the Portugal Under-21 international will join Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.
Chelsea Seal Deal for 20-Year-Old Defender
Veiga Reacts to Chelsea Deal
The newest arrival at Stamford Bridge is capable of playing in defence and midfield and will look to build on his impressive performances for FC Basel and Portugal Under-21s.
Veiga has spoken with excitement on his move to Chelsea: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here,” Veiga explained. “This is one of the biggest clubs in England – the biggest for me – and I’m just really excited to get started.”
Career Pathway
Veiga started his football career as a youth player for Sporting CP’s academy from the ages of seven to ten before moving to Real S.C. in Portugal’s third division. Following six more years of playing experience, the promising Portuguese talent moved back to his boyhood club, which he would play for their reserve team, Sporting CP B. Veiga’s outstanding performances over three more years attracted a loan move to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in 2023 as he proved capable of testing his abilities in first division football. Later that year, Swiss club FC Basel signed Veiga to a four-year contract following his promising stint abroad.
Read More: Chelsea Set Price Tag for ‘Unbelievable’ Player
Despite FC Basel’s somewhat disappointing 2023/24 campaign, his performances were eye-catching. He started in 22 of his 23 appearances while amassing over 1800 minutes in midfield and defence for the RotBlau. Veiga consistently proved to be one of Basel’s most important players with only one year of international experience at the young age of 20. Such promising displays enticed Chelsea into securing his talent just one year after joining the RotBlau, further developing their long-term vision of building a squad full of young ascending talents.
Player Profile
At 6’3, Veiga is a physically imposing defender whose strength and aerial prowess will help remedy Chelsea’s vulnerability at defending set pieces. Arguably his greatest attribute is his composure and technique on the ball, allowing Veiga to play out the back and step into midfield. Consequently, he is very versatile as he is capable of deputizing in several different roles including centre back, left back, and defensive midfield. Furthermore, his ability to take set pieces adds another underrated facet to his game.
