Man Utd in double transfer blow as Chelsea hijack has unwanted ripple effect

Manchester United may have suffered a double blow after Chelsea beat them to the signing of Sporting star Geovany Quenda.

Quenda had been heavily linked with a potential move to Old Trafford, which would have seen him reunited with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. However, the 17-year-old winger has agreed to join Chelsea instead and will remain at Sporting until July 2026.

Chelsea are continuing to spend on some of the most promising young players in the world, with the Athletic claiming they view Quenda as one of 'top three under-23 wingers in the world' along with Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal and incoming signing Estevao Willian.

Although Quenda will not be joining Chelsea until 2026, the deal could have a knock-on effect on their plans for Jadon Sancho. Sancho joined the club on loan from United last summer, with a clause included that will see him join permanently in the summer provided they finish 14th or higher.

However, reports have claimed that there is a loophole that would allow Chelsea to renege on the deal for a 'significant penalty'. Chelsea are said to want five wingers in their squad and currently have four senior options.

With Estevao Willian set to join when he turns 18 next summer, academy graduate Tyrique George breaking through and Quenda ready to make the move in 2026 the Blues may decide not to sign Sancho.

The move is also complicated by the fact that Chelsea have not yet agreed personal terms with Sancho. However, Blues boss Enzo Maresca has praised the winger's contributions so far this season.

"For me he's doing very well," Maresca said earlier in the campaign. "I am quite surprised with Jadon, because I knew Jadon already [from seeing him at his previous clubs] and I know what I expected from him, but in terms of being consistent, he's doing very well.

"Apart from a short part of the season when he had some problems, when he was out ill, then for the rest he has been very good. I expected him to do well, but for all the players doing well for a long period is not easy, and he has been doing well for a long period already. He's doing well, now he just needs to continue going in that way."