Chelsea have announced the permanent sale of Renato Veiga to Villarreal as they plot more exits before deadline day.
The left-sided defender has left the Blues for a fee of around £26million, and Standard Sport understands Chelsea have included a sell-on clause in the deal.
A club-record signing for Villarreal, Veiga’s sale delivers a significant profit for Chelsea, who spent only £12m to sign him from Swiss club Basel in 2024.
Veiga made 18 appearances during the first half of last season, before joining Juventus on loan in January and featuring 15 times for the Serie A side.
His sale was always expected before the September 1 deadline and Villarreal have had interest in the 22-year-old all summer.
Villarreal have been in the market for centre-backs since Raul Albiol and ex-Manchester United defender Eric Bailly left.
A statement on the Chelsea website said: “We thank Renato for his efforts during his time at Chelsea and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
The Portugal international, who can also play as a defensive midfielder or a full-back, could meet Chelsea later this season in the Champions League.
Chelsea continue to work on further exits and are hoping to find solutions for strikers Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to make permanent departures.
Fellow high earners Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling are also players the Blues’ hierarchy intend to move on, as well as the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, David Datro Fofana and Axel Disasi.
