Chelsea may need to find a replacement for Renato Veiga in the current transfer window.
Despite joining the club last summer, Veiga’s future at Stamford Bridge appears uncertain. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old is seeking a move to secure regular first-team action as a center-back. However, at Chelsea, he has mainly been used as a left-back, a position the club will need to address if he leaves.
One potential target for Chelsea is Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu. The 20-year-old has already caught the club’s eye, with reports indicating Chelsea made a £35m bid for him last summer, which Lecce rejected.
Dorgu aligns with Chelsea’s strategy of signing young talent, and his attacking abilities make him a strong prospect. This season, he has even played as a right winger, despite being a natural left-back, demonstrating his offensive versatility. Additionally, Dorgu’s lifelong support for Chelsea could make him a motivated and passionate addition to the squad.
Dorgu shares similarities with Malo Gusto, who joined Chelsea from Lyon as an unknown talent but has since made a significant impact. Like Gusto, Dorgu is young, attack-minded, and has the potential to succeed in London.
If Veiga departs, Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali may consider pursuing Dorgu as his replacement.
Alternatively, manager Enzo Maresca could turn to the academy, with Ishe Samuels-Smith as a potential option, reflecting Maresca’s confidence in developing homegrown talent.
Ultimately, whether through a major signing or promoting from within, Chelsea will need to act swiftly to fill Veiga’s potential departure.
