Chelsea fans have been abuzz with the club’s latest signing, young winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon. The youngster won’t be able to join the club until 2026 but opposing fans and players are already upset about the move.
Ex-Manchester United and Portugal star Nani was on former teammate Rio Ferdinand’s podcast and was asked about Quenda and he had a lot to say.
"“He has energy, he has speed, he can improve his physical ability, but he is a very intelligent player. Very mature. He knows how to play as part of a team. There are no players like him at 17. Why did Chelsea sign him? Because they know that. It’s difficult to have this type of player who is aggressive with the ball, taking the game forward and creating danger in the box.”"Luis Nani on Quenda
Nani knows a thing or two about being aggressive with the ball and making plays as a winger. The pacey winger regularly dished out double digit assists for United and there was a three year stretch where he racked up 26 goals and 47 assists from 2009-2012. His career took him on a journey after that United stretch but he was one of Portugal’s best wingers during that time.
The former United star expressed regret that his old club didn’t sign Quenda as they go through their own down period. The Red Devils were one of the clubs interested in his services but Chelsea were able to pip everyone to his signature.
The 17-year-old already has almost 60 appearances for Sporting and could be at nearly 100 when he makes the short trip from Lisbon to London. There are already comparisons being made between Quenda and teenage phenom Lamine Yamal and Chelsea would be ecstatic if he reaches that level.
There is another tricky winger from Sporting that made their way to the Premier League who made quite a name for themselves and it would be lovely if Quenda reaches that level too. We won’t get too excited about Quenda as he still can’t even legally drink or vote in England but there is so much hype about him it’s hard not to.
Between him and Estevao Willian, Chelsea have two of the best teenage footballers in the world and we hope they are able to develop into the players we think they can become. If they get anywhere near that level then the Chelsea transfer project will be deemed an incredible success.