Villarreal Smash Transfer Record to Land Renato Veiga from Chelsea

Villarreal have completed their biggest-ever signing by bringing Portuguese defender Renato Veiga from Chelsea. The deal is worth €29.5 million, including add-ons and a significant sell-on clause. This transfer surpasses the previous record as Villarreal is seeking to bolster their squad significantly.

RECORD SIGNING SECURED

After long negotiations, Villarreal reached an agreement with both Veiga and Chelsea. The €29.5 million fee makes this the most expensive transfer in Villarreal’s history. The 21-year-old has signed a long-term contract that is set to last until 2031 after only one season with Chelsea. Veiga joined Chelsea in July 2024 for around £12.1 million from Basel, but didn’t play much, making 18 appearances before a loan move to Juventus. He returned to Chelsea this summer but wasn’t in manager’s Enzo Maresca’s plans.

WHY VEIGA CHOSE VILLARREAL

Villarreal aim to recover from a tough 2024/25 season when they finished 5th in La Liga, having qualified for the Champions League once again. They conceded 56 goals, which led to major summer recruitment. Veiga, known for his flexibility at left-back and center-back, brings athleticism and calmness. According to reports, the move results in a tidy profit for Chelsea and fits their squad-streamlining strategy as they prepare for a new campaign after finishing 4th in the Premier League last season.

LOOKING AHEAD: SEASON START AND FUTURE IMPACT

Veiga joins Villarreal, who are seeking stability and defensive improvement as La Liga starts this weekend. The Yellow Submarine beat Real Oviedo in the 1st match of the season, and will now be facing Girona. Veiga is set to be a starting defender immediately, while Chelsea—who qualified for the Champions League—look to new signings for squad renewal. If Veiga succeeds in Spain, his move could be a turning point for Villarreal’s renewed La Liga ambitions.