The midseason January transfer window is open, and, as always, Chelsea find themselves in the thick of the action. The Blues have already recalled a few players, with rumors circulating about several departures. Among the players making headlines is Portuguese international Renato Veiga, currently linked with a potential move to German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Veiga joined Chelsea last summer from FC Basel in Switzerland. Despite limited opportunities in the Premier League, he became a mainstay in cup competitions. He played 90 minutes in all six of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League matches. His performances in a Chelsea kit even earned him his first call-up to the Portugal national team, where he was utilized as a center-back.
At Chelsea, Veiga was primarily signed as cover for left-back Marc Cucurella, however, Veiga is capable of playing in multiple positions. Veiga played as a left-back in all the Conference League matches, except for the fixture against Panathinaikos, where Cucurella started.
In the Premier League, he made only one start, which was in midfield during Chelsea’s away game against Bournemouth. The rest of his league minutes came as substitutions for Cucurella in six matches, totaling fewer than 100 minutes. This lack of playing time is the key reason behind the transfer rumors.
Initially, reports suggested that Veiga was seeking a move to play regularly in his preferred position as a center-back. However, a day later, it was clarified that the Portuguese international wasn’t eyeing a permanent transfer but rather a six-month loan. Veiga is eager to remain at Chelsea but wants the chance to demonstrate his abilities as a center-back at the club level.
Examining the current situation at Chelsea highlights Veiga's motivation for seeking a move. Since December 1st, Chelsea have played nine Premier League matches. However, Enzo Maresca has only utilized Veiga for a total of 12 minutes in these fixtures. Marc Cucurella has been an ever-present starter, while Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández have formed a consistent midfield duo. Despite the congested fixture list and Chelsea’s ongoing winless streak since December 16th, Maresca hasn’t offered Veiga a meaningful opportunity to prove himself.
Following Wesley Fofana’s injury, Maresca has experimented with Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, and even Josh Acheampong in defense. Yet, Chelsea continues to concede goals and look fragile at the back. Despite Veiga being good enough to start for a team ranked #7 in FIFA rankings, Maresca hasn’t tested him in the center-back role. Instead, Chelsea have recalled Aaron Anselmino and Trevoh Chalobah from their loans to cover for Fofana and Badiashile.
During Veiga’s first press conference as a Chelsea player, he expressed his happiness at joining the club and his determination to succeed. However, with poor results and a grueling fixture schedule, Maresca has shown no intention of giving him more minutes.
For Veiga, the next logical step is to prove his versatility and ability at another club willing to provide him with opportunities. A successful loan spell would not only showcase his capability to play as a center-back but also position him for a fresh start at Chelsea in the summer. Additionally, it would help him retain his place in the Portugal national team, even if his future at Chelsea remains uncertain.